Justice Minister Arif Virani has announced the division of the stalled online harms bill, Bill C-63, into two separate parts in an effort to expedite its passage through Parliament. The decision comes after months of filibustering in the House of Commons, which has delayed the bill’s progress since September, jeopardizing its chances of becoming law before the next federal election.
The first part of the bill will focus on protecting children from online predators and includes the establishment of a digital safety commission with enhanced powers to combat online harm. This section aims to address urgent issues like the swift removal of child abuse material and revenge porn, a priority for both the government and advocates who have long called for stronger protections for children online.
The second part of the bill, which has faced significant criticism, introduces a new hate-crime offence carrying a maximum life sentence for the most severe cases and proposes amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act. These changes would categorize online hate speech as a form of discrimination, allowing individuals to file complaints and potentially claim compensation of up to $20,000 for damages. Critics, including civil liberties groups, warn that these measures risk overreach and could suppress freedom of speech. As a result, this portion is expected to move through Parliament at a slower pace.
The move to split the bill follows an open letter signed by over 20 civil society groups and legal experts, as well as support from the Bloc Québécois, urging the government to separate the contentious provisions from those addressing child protection. Conservatives have opposed the bill, while the government relies on NDP backing to advance it, though it remains stuck at second reading in the Commons.
Carol Todd, the mother of Amanda Todd—a teenager who died by suicide after being cyberbullied—will testify as the Justice Committee begins a pre-study of the bill. Todd, who has advocated for legislative action against online child exploitation for over a decade, expressed frustration over the prolonged delays, urging MPs to end the political standoff and prioritize the protection of children online.
Mr. Virani emphasized the government’s commitment to focusing its efforts on the first portion of the bill to ensure measures to combat online harm and protect children are implemented swiftly.
