Canada has moved to strengthen its response to hate-motivated crime with the passage of Bill C-9, legislation that includes recognition of the noose as a prohibited hate symbol under federal law.
The measure, known as the Combatting Hate Act, was passed by Parliament after the Senate adopted an amendment adding the noose to the list of symbols covered by the legislation. Supporters say the change reflects the symbol’s long history as a tool of intimidation and racial terror directed at Black Canadians.
The Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) welcomed the legislation, saying the amendment closes a longstanding gap in Canada’s Criminal Code.
“Since 2019, the number of hate crimes has doubled in Canada, according to RCMP and Statistics Canada data. Of all the groups that have been the targets of hate and intimidation, Black Canadians remain the most frequently targeted group in the country,” the organization said in a statement.
Craig Wellington, CEO of the Black Opportunity Fund, said the inclusion of the noose in the legislation is an important recognition of the experiences of Black Canadians.
“For generations, Black Canadians have had to fight to have the realities of anti-Black racism recognized. The inclusion of the noose in Bill C-9 is historic because it acknowledges one of the most enduring symbols of racial terror directed at Black communities,” Wellington said in a statement. “We commend Minister Fraser, his staff, Senators, and Members of Parliament from many parties for recognizing this gap and taking action to address it.
“This amendment acknowledges both Canada’s history and the reality that the noose continues to be used today to intimidate, threaten, and terrorize Black Canadians,” he added.
The organization said the noose has a documented history as an instrument of racial terror in Canada and noted several recent incidents in workplaces and communities where it was allegedly used to intimidate Black Canadians.
Bill C-9 introduces a number of new measures aimed at combating hate. Among other changes, it creates new offences related to hate-motivated crimes, updates hate propaganda provisions and establishes penalties for conduct intended to prevent access to places of worship and other facilities used by identifiable communities.
BOF said recognizing the noose in federal law reflects years of efforts by Black organizations and advocates, who argued the symbol’s history and continued use as a tool of intimidation warranted specific recognition. The organization said the amendment sends a clear message that acts of anti-Black hate and racial intimidation will not be ignored.
Despite welcoming the bill’s passage, BOF said more work remains to address anti-Black racism across Canada.
“This amendment is not the end of the conversation on anti-Black racism. But it is an important statement that Canada is prepared to recognize anti-Black hate when it appears, understand how it manifests itself, and take meaningful action to protect communities from it,” said Wellington.
The legislation is expected to come into force 30 days after receiving Royal assent.
