Discussion · Government Orders
Yves Perron Bloc Québécois
“People worried this hate crimes bill would hurt free speech and be abused. We fixed that by requiring the Attorney General's approval before anyone can be charged. This stops unfair charges and ensures we only target real hate. I want my colleague to comment on this.”
“Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleague from Terrebonne to talk to me about the following. At first, there were a lot of objections to the bill. People said it would detract from freedom of expression, that there was a risk of abuse, and so on. I think that we found the right solution by reinstating the Attorney General’s consent to prosecute the offence. That way, with the Attorney General’s judgment, we avoid the possibility of frivolous charges and ensure that any charges brought truly target people who promote hatred. I would like her to respond to that.”
Official Hansard
Mr. Speaker, I would like my colleague from Terrebonne to talk to me about the following. At first, there were a lot of objections to the bill. People said it would detract from freedom of expression, that there was a risk of abuse, and so on. I think that we found the right solution by reinstating the Attorney General’s consent to prosecute the offence. That way, with the Attorney General’s judgment, we avoid the possibility of frivolous charges and ensure that any charges brought truly target people who promote hatred. I would like her to respond to that.