Strengthened Criminal Code measures to effect in July
June 19, 2026
Global Korean Post
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Between 2018 and 2024, the number of police-reported hate crimes has more than doubled. Of these hate crimes, most targeted race or ethnicity and religion.
Today, the Government of Canada announced that the Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9) received Royal Assent yesterday, delivering on the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen protections for communities being made to feel afraid because of who they are, how they worship, or where they gather. The provisions will come into force on July 18, 2026.
The Act does not enact “bubble zones” that create protest-free areas around designated buildings. Bubble zone laws are enacted by provinces and municipalities. For example, some provinces have established access zones around abortion clinics, and some municipalities have enacted bubble zone by-laws to provide for safe access to facilities like schools, daycares, and places of worship.
This law targets criminal behaviour that intimidates people, obstructs access to community spaces, or wilfully promotes hatred, making clear where the line is drawn.
More specifically, the law does not:
- criminalize religious teaching
- restrict the ability to preach, read scripture, or practice religion
- ban peaceful protest or political advocacy
- create “bubble zones” or
- criminalize opinions, disagreement, or criticism
Edited by Global Korean Post
