C-254An Act to amend the Criminal Code (promotion of hatred against Indigenous peoples)

What it does

• Creates a new offence for statements, other than in private conversation, that wilfully promote hatred against Indigenous peoples by condoning, denying, downplaying, justifying, or misrepresenting the Indian residential school system.
• Sets the penalty for that offence at up to 2 years in prison if prosecuted by indictment, or a lesser penalty on summary conviction.
• Provides defences if the statements are true, are made in good faith on a religious subject, are part of public-interest discussion believed true on reasonable grounds, or are made in good faith to remove hateful material.
• Applies the existing rules on forfeiture, seizure of communication facilities, and Attorney General consent to this offence, and defines Indigenous peoples by reference to the Constitution Act, 1982.