By Jonathan Harvey | BlendrNews.com

The Liberal government just tabled Bill C-9, the so-called Combating Hate Act. So now they will redefine and expand what “hate” means, allowing for a broad and subjective interpretation of the term, moving Canada even further toward a speech-policing regime where intent is whatever they say it is.

Four New Offences

On the surface, Bill C-9 looks like Canada is taking a strong stand against hate crimes, with four new offences being added to the Criminal Code.

Number one is obstructing or intimidating people trying to access faith-based institutions—churches, synagogues, temples—or cultural centers or community spaces like schools.

Number two, the same offence but broadened to include facilities designated for specific groups.

Number three, a new hate-motivated crime category where if you commit a crime because someone belongs to a group, then the penalties go up. But don’t we all belong to a group in some way?

And number four, the intentional promotion of hate, including through symbols. This includes Nazi insignias, Hamas and Hezbollah flags, and anything the government says could be “reasonably confused” for any of these. The penalties start with up to two years in jail. However, for serious offences, you will get anywhere from five years to life in prison.

On top of that, the Liberals are making it easier to prosecute by adding this new definition of “hatred” into the Criminal Code and removing the attorney general sign-off requirement. In other words, charges can now be laid faster, subjectively, and without oversight.

The Real Problem

Now here’s the problem. Everyone agrees we don’t want swastikas waved outside synagogues or churches burned to the ground. But by writing a new government definition of hatred into law, you’re handing politicians and police enormous power to decide what Canadians can and cannot say.

The government insists this is not a blanket ban on speech or symbols. However, it is subjectively done on a case-by-case basis. So what’s the standard? Who decides what counts as “promotion of hate”? A police officer? A prosecutor? Maybe a judge? Well, according to this bill, all of the above.

And what happens to someone carrying a Palestinian flag at a protest? Could that be reasonably confused with Hamas? What about satire, art, or even historical displays? Or what about a concerned parent who is protesting about gender ideology in classrooms? Could that be reasonably confused with an anti-LGBT stance? What then?

You see, all it takes is one overzealous officer to decide your sign, your chant, or your tweet is promoting hate or genocide, and suddenly you’re facing prison time. So this is not about protecting communities—it’s about stifling dissent.

Expanding Government Overreach

And here’s how you know this is nothing more than expanding government overreach: Canada already has laws against harassment, vandalism, threats, and violence. We don’t need more. The Liberals claim this bill respects the Charter, but let’s not kid ourselves. In Canada, Section 1 of the Charter allows for “reasonable limits” on rights. In other words, you don’t really have any.

The moment Ottawa frames censorship as public safety, we’re in real trouble. And once these laws are in the books, they never shrink; they always expand.

The Bigger Picture

So here’s the truth: Bill C-9 is being sold as a shield against hate, but the real effect is that it gives government broader powers and extended reach to subjectively police symbols, language, and even motives. Today it’s Nazis and Hamas. Tomorrow it could be you—criticizing immigration policy, questioning gender ideology, or challenging faulty climate science.

Once Ottawa defines “hate,” this is no longer about hate speech; it’s about speech that they hate. And when that happens, free speech in this country will come with a very heavy price tag.

Originally published on Instagram @itsjonathanharvey