Human Resources Legislative Update

Canadian Human Rights Act Amended to Delete Discriminatory Practice Relating to “Hate Messages”

Human Resources Legislative Update

Canadian Human Rights Act Amended to Delete Discriminatory Practice Relating to “Hate Messages”

Date: July 12, 2013

On June 26, 2013, a federal private member’s Bill, Bill C-304, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting freedom), received Royal Assent. Bill C-304 amends the Canadian Human Rights Act (“Act”) by repealing section 13 “Hate Messages” as a discriminatory practice, to ensure compliance with the freedom of expression guarantee in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Bill makes corresponding amendments to the Act.

Bill C-304 will come into force on the day that is one year after the date it received Royal Assent.