The federal Liberal government is facing accusations from the Bloc Québécois that it is deliberately stalling parliamentary debate on a controversial amendment to Canada's hate speech laws, a move that could threaten the legislation's survival.
Committee Meeting Cancelled Amid Backlash Fears
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet stated on Thursday, December 4, 2025, that the Liberals cancelled a scheduled meeting of the parliamentary justice committee. The meeting was intended to discuss an amendment to Bill C-9, the government's proposed legislation aimed at combating hate.
The key amendment, championed by Bloc MP Rhéal Fortin, seeks to remove religious defences available for certain hate speech charges under the Criminal Code. According to the Bloc, the Liberals had previously agreed to support this amendment in exchange for the party's backing of the overall bill.
"We fear that because representatives, or would be representatives, of some groups, came to the committee and sat there, that the Liberals fear backlash against them within some communities, and that because of that, they have cancelled today’s meeting," Blanchet told reporters in Ottawa.
Political Pressure and Jeopardized Passage
The cancellation raises significant political stakes. The Bloc has warned that its support for Bill C-9 is contingent on the amendment's adoption. With the Opposition Conservatives already opposing the bill, losing Bloc support would likely doom its chances of passing through the minority Parliament.
Blanchet expressed concern that the Liberals might also cancel the two committee meetings scheduled for next week, potentially delaying the study of the bill until 2026. He revealed he had previously informed then-Quebec lieutenant Steven Guilbeault that the Bloc's support hinged on amendments, primarily the removal of religious exemptions.
The political tension follows a committee meeting on Tuesday, where the Canadian Council of Imams was present and circulated a statement opposing the removal of religious defences. That meeting ended at its scheduled time at the Liberals' request, despite expectations that MPs would work late.
Conflicting Explanations and Mounting Tension
While Liberal committee members stated Tuesday's adjournment was because the meeting had been productive, Fortin offered a different account on Thursday. He indicated he was told the decision was related to "pressure" the government had received.
This development highlights the delicate balance the Liberal government must maintain. It must navigate between addressing concerns about hate speech and managing potential backlash from religious communities opposed to changing the legal defences. The Bloc's accusation frames the delay as a political calculation rather than a procedural one.
The future of Bill C-9 now appears uncertain. The government's next steps on the committee schedule will be closely watched as an indicator of its commitment to the controversial amendment and its willingness to risk the Bloc's crucial parliamentary support.
