{"id":38900,"date":"2026-03-27T11:44:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T15:44:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/?p=38900"},"modified":"2026-03-27T11:44:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T15:44:41","slug":"bill-c-9-passes-third-reading-with-key-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/legal\/2026\/03\/27\/bill-c-9-passes-third-reading-with-key-changes\/","title":{"rendered":"Bill C-9: Passes Third Reading with Key Changes"},"content":{"rendered":"
This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series Bill C-9<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

On March 25, 2026, Bill C-9<\/a> the House of Commons passed Bill C-9 at third reading. Members of Parliament voted 186 in favour and 137 against.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This marks a significant step toward Bill C-9 becoming law. It will now move to the Senate for further review and vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we recently published<\/a>, the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights tabled its report on Bill C-9<\/a> (\u201cReport\u201d) in the House of Commons, which made some changes to Bill C-9. However, the Report did not address one the biggest concerns raised by CCCC and other organizations, namely the removal of the good faith religious defence from the Criminal Code.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What changed during the Third Reading of Bill C-9?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several key differences between the first version of Bill C-9 and the version passed by the House of Commons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Removes the good faith religious defence<\/strong>. This is one of the most problematic elements of Bill C-9, as the good faith religious defence provides clarity, ensures the offences remain constitutional, and preserves free expression.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Attorney General Approval Required. <\/strong>Prosecutors must still obtain the Attorney General\u2019s consent before proceeding with charges. Initially, Bill C-9 removed this safeguard. Restoring it \u00a0is a welcome change as it adds an extra layer of oversight<\/a> and helps ensure prosecutions serve the public interest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Updates Definition of \u201chatred\u201d.<\/strong> The updated definition uses language from the Supreme Court of Canada. The first version of Bill C-9 defined hatred as an \u201demotion that involves detestation or vilification and that is stronger than disdain or dislike\u201d. The updated definition defines hatred as \u201can emotion of an intense and extreme nature that is clearly associated with vilification and detestation\u201d. This change better reflects a higher threshold of what is considered \u201chatred\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Maintains Protection for Religious Property. <\/strong>The offence of mischief relating to religious property remains an offence in the Criminal Code. Earlier versions of Bill C-9 removed this offence from the Criminal Code.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Adds New \u201cClarification\u201d on Expression.<\/strong> The third reading version of Bill C- 9 includes language that allows people to speak on religious, political, and scientific issues if they do not \u201cwillfully promote hatred<\/a>\u201d. The \u201cclarification\u201d provides that:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \n

    Clarification \u2014 subsections 319(2) and (2.\u200d2)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    11.\u200d1\u2002(1)\u2002For greater certainty, nothing in subsection 319(2) or (2.\u200d2) of the Criminal Code shall be construed as prohibiting a person from communicating a statement on a matter of public interest, including an educational, religious, political or scientific statement made in the course of a discussion, publication or debate, if they do not wilfully promote hatred against an identifiable group by communicating the statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clarification \u2014 subsection 319(2.\u200d1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    (2)\u2002For greater certainty, nothing in subsection 319(2.\u200d1) of the Criminal Code shall be construed as prohibiting a person from communicating a statement on a matter of public interest, including an educational, religious, political or scientific statement made in the course of a discussion, publication or debate, if they do not wilfully promote antisemitism by condoning, denying or downplaying the Holocaust.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    While this change may seem helpful, it does not offer the same protection of religious expression as the good-faith religious defence in the Criminal Code<\/em>.<\/a> The good faith religious defence expressly safeguards religious expression in ways this new wording does not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Has Not Changed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are several key elements that remain the same between the first version of Bill C-9 and the version passed by the House of Commons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Create a New Hate Crime Offence. <\/strong>This remains problematic as courts are already required to consider hate as an aggravating factor in sentencing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Create an offence of willful promotion of hatred<\/strong> through displays of terrorism and hate symbols.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Create an intimidation offence <\/strong>for restricting access to places that are used for worship or by an identifiable group for social, cultural, athletic and educational activities. The Criminal Code <\/em>already addresses offences relating to the protection of places of worship, and many municipal by-laws further address access to specific places of worship.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      CCCC recognizes that there must be limits to expression in a free and democratic society. Further, as a religious organization representing religious organizations, we are keenly aware of the offensive, derogatory and hurtful speech so often aimed at communities and individuals of faith and acknowledge it is necessary for the government to take seriously the acts of hate crimes and antisemitism that are noticeably on the rise. However, Bill C-9 raises deep and serious concerns about free expression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What Happens Next?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Bill C-9 will now be sent to the Senate with a message from the Clerk of the House requesting the Senate consider the bill<\/a>. The Senate\u2019s legislative process is similar to the House of Commons. If the Senate makes any changes to Bill C-9, it will need to be sent back to the House of Commons. The House of Commons and the Senate are both required to accept any amendments before Bill C-9 receives royal assent<\/a> and becomes law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What You Can Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      If you or your organization have concerns about the Bill, you can call or write<\/a> to senators. Members who contact senators should check whether this activity will require registration under the Lobbying Act, RSC 1985 c 44, (4th Supp)<\/em><\/a>. For more information about lobbying registration thresholds, you can see CCCC general guidance in our Lobbying and PPDDA Topic Handbook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      We\u2019re Here to Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      If you have questions or would like support, please contact our Member Support Team<\/a> by phone or email<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series Bill C-9<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

      On March 25, 2026, Bill C-9 the House of Commons passed Bill C-9 at third reading. Members of Parliament voted 186 in favour and 137 against. This marks a significant step toward Bill C-9 becoming law. It will now move to the Senate for further review and vote. As we… More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":38733,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ts_fic_featured_image_caption":"A partial image of an open Bible. The Bible is open to Romans 5 and 6, with only the left-hand page visible. A ribbon bookmark dangles across the page and a shadow obscures the very bottom left-hand corner. 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Every organization\u2019s circumstances are unique. Before acting on the basis of information contained in this blog, readers should consult with a qualified lawyer for advice specific to their situation.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.cccc.org","simone.waller@cccc.org"],"url":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/author\/legal\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blog-Legal-2025.12.09.png?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":38892,"url":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/legal\/2026\/03\/24\/bill-c-9-moves-forward-to-third-reading-but-key-concerns-remain\/","url_meta":{"origin":38900,"position":0},"title":"Bill C-9: Moves Forward to Third Reading but Key Concerns Remain","author":"Deina Warren","date":"March 24, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"On Monday, March 23, the House of Commons voted to move Bill C-9 forward to third reading. MPs voted 188 in favour and 144 against. Standing Committee Report The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights tabled its report on Bill C-9 to the House of Commons. The \"report\" was\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"Advocacy\"","block_context":{"text":"Advocacy","link":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/tag\/advocacy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blog-Legal-2025.12.09.png?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blog-Legal-2025.12.09.png?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blog-Legal-2025.12.09.png?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":38844,"url":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/legal\/2026\/03\/09\/bill-c-9-motion-to-end-ongoing-debates\/","url_meta":{"origin":38900,"position":1},"title":"Bill C-9: Motion to End Ongoing Debates","author":"Deina Warren","date":"March 9, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"UPDATE (March 17, 2026) \u2013 REPORT OF THE JUSTICE COMMITTEE ON BILL C-9 The Justice Committee (Committee) tabled its report (Report) on the proposed changes to Bill C-9 in the House of Commons on March 13, 2026. While some amendments to Bill C-9 have been introduced to promote clarity, CCCC\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"Advocacy\"","block_context":{"text":"Advocacy","link":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/tag\/advocacy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blog-Legal-2025.12.09.png?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blog-Legal-2025.12.09.png?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Blog-Legal-2025.12.09.png?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":34450,"url":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/legal\/2022\/06\/15\/update-on-private-shares-real-estate-donations-changes-proposed-by-bill-c-240\/","url_meta":{"origin":38900,"position":2},"title":"UPDATE on Private Shares, Real Estate & Donations: Changes Proposed by Bill C-240","author":"Deina Warren","date":"June 15, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Earlier this year we let you know about Bill C-240, the Supporting Canadian Charities Act. Bill C-240 was voted down at second reading. This private member\u2019s bill would have amended the Income Tax Act to waive capital gains tax on the arm\u2019s-length sale of private shares or real estate when\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Charity law and policy"","block_context":{"text":"Charity law and policy","link":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/category\/charity-law-and-policy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/blog-images-1.png?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":38777,"url":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/legal\/2026\/01\/21\/bill-c-9-impact-on-religious-expression-in-canada\/","url_meta":{"origin":38900,"position":3},"title":"Bill C-9: Impact on Religious Expression in Canada","author":"Deina Warren","date":"January 21, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"UPDATE (January 28, 2026) \u2013 BILL C-9 ON HOLD On January 26, 2026, the Justice Committee voted to pause further debate on Bill C-9 in order to focus on Bill C-14. 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Senate amendments expand MAID As our regular readers will know, Bill C-7 proposes to significantly expand euthanasia. By euthanasia we mean the purposeful act\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"MAiD\"","block_context":{"text":"MAiD","link":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/tag\/maid\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MAID-04.png?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MAID-04.png?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/MAID-04.png?fit=600%2C600&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":33533,"url":"https:\/\/www.cccc.org\/news_blogs\/legal\/2021\/12\/03\/conversion-therapy-ban-passes-the-house-now-at-senate\/","url_meta":{"origin":38900,"position":5},"title":"Conversion Therapy Ban Passes the House, Now at Senate","author":"Deina Warren","date":"December 3, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"On Wednesday, December 1, Bill C-4, which criminalizes conversion therapy, passed the House in a single motion. 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