Hon. Kristopher Wells: Honourable senators, hate continues to be on the rise globally and also here in Canada. Most recently, we have seen the Jewish community become the target of horrendous attacks that took the lives of innocent embassy staff. These atrocities are message crimes designed to instill fear and terror in all minority communities. Action must be taken. Canada should lead by example and protect the most vulnerable.

In the recent federal election, the government promised legislation to protect our critical social infrastructure, which includes schools, hospitals, libraries and government buildings, from hateful protests. This legislation is essential to protect vulnerable communities from fear, intimidation and violence.

To the Government Representative in the Senate, how soon will this government introduce this greatly needed legislation?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question and for underlining the impact of the rise in hate crimes against my community and many others in this country. It is unacceptable that people cannot worship or, indeed, express themselves, live or work without fear for their safety. The government has made a commitment to make it a criminal offence to intentionally and willfully obstruct access to any place of worship, school or community centre and to intentionally and willfully intimidate or threaten those attending services at those locations.

The Prime Minister has been very clear that it is simply unacceptable in this country, although far too common, tragically, for people to feel threatened when they gather within their own communities. This government is determined to stand firmly with Canadians of goodwill and faith, in good faith, against hate.

Having said all of that, I cannot speculate on the timetable for such legislation. We’re at that time of year when the immediate government priorities have now been made public. We will soon have our work cut out for us, but as soon as the government does make its intentions public, I will be sharing it with this chamber, or my successor will.

Senator K. Wells: In the last Parliament, the government proposed important changes to the Criminal Code of Canada designed to strengthen penalties for hate crime offences and create a new offence to further protect Canadians from hate. Bill C-63 did not come to a vote in the other place. In the dying days of the last Parliament, the government signalled it would be prioritizing other aspects of the bill.

Honourable senators, I believe Canada must get tougher on hate and send a clear and unequivocal message that hate and extremism will never be tolerated in this country, no matter whom they target.

My question to the Government Representative is this: Does this government remain committed to tabling legislation that will amend the Criminal Code, as proposed in the previous bill, Bill C-63, and will the Prime Minister commit to working with interested senators and community stakeholders to make the changes needed to ensure this important legislation is passed?

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question and your support for robust legislation to combat hate.

I’m simply not in a position to speculate as to the timetable or, as you all understand, the content of legislation unless and until it has been tabled publicly.