Many of you will be aware of ongoing discussions in Parliament regarding Bill C-9, a hate-crimes bill introduced in response to the alarming rise in antisemitism and anti-religious threats in Canada. The bill’s intent is to help ensure people can worship freely, safely, and without intimidation.
As the bill has progressed, concern has emerged around a proposed amendment that would remove the “good-faith religious belief” defence from the Criminal Code. While this defence has rarely been invoked and never successfully used, it remains an important safeguard for religious communities. Its removal would not create new crimes or make sharing faith or Scripture illegal, but it could have unintended consequences for people of faith.
The Justice Committee’s work on Bill C-9 is currently paused until later in January, providing a window for prayerful engagement.
CBAC encourages pastors and leaders to stay well-informed and, if you have concerns, to communicate respectfully with your local Member of Parliament. The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), with whom CBAC is affiliated, has provided clear analysis, prayer guidance, and sample letters to MPs.
EFC resources and updates:
https://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/Resources/Government/2025/Bill-C-9-Combatting-Hate-Act
Above all, let’s respond with wisdom, prayer, and trust – confident and hopeful that God is always at work.
