News
Hundreds of Reformed Christians gathered on Parliament Hill to protest Bill C-9
Last week, ARPA Canada hosted a rally on Parliament Hill calling on the federal government to halt Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act. Despite cold temperatures and blustery winds, approximately 400–450 people gathered on the Hill to show their concern about the legislation.
Supporters travelled from across Ontario to take part, including more than 200 people who came from Southern Ontario by coach bus. With the help of local ARPA chapters, four coach buses were organized to bring supporters to Ottawa and back in a single day. For many participants, this made it possible to attend the rally who otherwise would not have been able to make the trip.
We were thankful to have Rev. Joel Dykstra, Mr. Rod Taylor of the Christian Heritage Party, and Christine Van Geyn of the Canadian Constitution Foundation as guest speakers.
The rally also drew the attention of federal lawmakers. At least thirteen Members of Parliament attended the event. Eleven MPs stood together on the podium when MP Jacob Mantle and MP Andrew Lawton spoke to those gathered.
Planning for the event began in January, long before it was clear when Parliament would be addressing Bill C-9. Providentially, the rally took place during the same week that the House of Commons voted to end debate on the bill and move it forward in the legislative process. The bill will now return to the House for third reading, and a vote is expected on March 23 or 24.
This brief delay provides Canadians with additional time to engage with their Members of Parliament about the legislation. We encourage everyone to contact their federal MP, whether by email or phone call. Information and action steps are available here.
Our primary concern with Bill C-9 relates to an amendment during the committee stage. While the bill, as originally introduced, raised fewer concerns than previous hate-speech bills, a Justice Committee amendment removed the “good faith religious defense” from the Criminal Code. This defense had previously provided protection for those expressing sincerely held religious beliefs.
Without that safeguard, there is concern that Christians and others could face greater legal risk for expressing biblical perspectives on moral and identity-related issues. Even beyond potential prosecutions, such legislation can create a “chilling effect,” where individuals choose to remain silent rather than risk legal consequences.
For Christians, the concern is not merely political but principled. Scripture calls believers to love their neighbors while also speaking truth faithfully and with humility. The ability to express those convictions openly remains an important part of living out that calling in public life.
Picture graciously supplied by ARPA Canada.