Canada's hate-crime law takes effect, adding new Criminal Code offences

Canada's Combatting Hate Act came into force on July 18, 2026, adding new Criminal Code provisions targeting intimidation, obstruction, and the public display of hate symbols.

The legislation creates two hybrid offences for intimidating or obstructing people accessing places primarily used by identifiable groups—including places of worship, schools, cultural centres, community facilities, cemeteries, and seniors' residences. Each carries a maximum penalty of ten years on indictment.

The Act also establishes a standalone hate-motivated crime offence and prohibits public display of certain symbols when used with intent to promote hatred. The list includes symbols associated with listed terrorist entities, the Nazi swastika, SS bolts, a noose, and close variants.

Federal officials say the measures give police clearer tools when disruptive behaviour escalates into threatening conduct. Before this Act, the Criminal Code relied on broader hate-propaganda provisions without naming specific symbols.

Alberta's police-reported hate-crime rate rose from 6.7 per 100,000 population in 2020 to 8.1 per 100,000 in 2024, according to Statistics Canada. Community groups including the Pride Centre of Edmonton say official figures undercount harassment and intimidation directed at LGBTQ2S people that falls below Criminal Code thresholds.

During Senate review, an amendment to criminalize residential school denialism was rejected. Indigenous leaders, including the Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations, continue calling for dedicated legislation on the issue.