05
Aug
OTTAWA (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s new Combatting Hate Act, officially known as Bill C-9, has formally taken effect across the country, marking a significant overhaul of the Criminal Code designed to strengthen legal protections against hate-motivated crimes and safeguard targeted communities. Following its receipt of Royal Assent on June 18, 2026, the legislation came into force on July 18, 2026, as part of a broad federal initiative to combat rising concerns over systemic hatred, intimidation, and violent incidents nationwide. Under the newly implemented law, the federal government has expanded the definitions of hate-related offences, increased criminal penalties for serious hate crimes,…