In a bold move to combat the rising tide of hate crimes, Federal Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser has announced that Ottawa is rolling out groundbreaking legislation aimed at protecting its citizens.

The new legislation introduces four distinct criminal offenses, two of which focus specifically on safeguarding religious institutions. Offenders could face serious charges for obstruction and intimidation, sending a clear message that hostility towards these sanctuaries will not be tolerated.

Additionally, the federal government is taking a significant stance by recognizing hate as an aggravating factor in various crimes, ensuring that those who commit acts of violence targeting individuals based on their identity will face harsher penalties.

Moreover, the legislation includes severe measures against the willful promotion of hate. This particularly targets the public display of symbols associated with hate groups, such as the notorious Nazi swastika, symbolizing Ottawa's commitment to condemning extremist ideologies.

Fraser emphasized that this initiative also encompasses the prohibition of symbols linked to listed terrorist organizations, reinforcing Canada’s dedication to creating a safer and more inclusive society for all its residents.