B’nai Brith Canada has put forward some ideas to the Senate about how to improve Canada’s proposed law about Holocaust denial. .“Antisemitism may take many forms, but as this legislation recognizes, Holocaust denial and distortion remain go-to staples for antisemites,” said B’nai Brith Canada Director of Legal Affairs Sam Goldstein in a Wednesday press release. .“We are grateful for the Committee’s invitation to address it on new Holocaust denial legislation, particularly in light of a poll showing fewer than half of Canadians knew of the annihilation of much of European Jewry during World War Two.”.While B’nai Brith Canada supports freedom of expression and is mindful about limitations to it, Goldstein said it was necessary to add Holocaust distortion and denial to the Criminal Code of Canada through Bill C-19. .Bill C-19 would amend the Criminal Code to “prohibit the communication of statements, other than in private conversation, that willfully promote antisemitism by condoning, denying or downplaying the Holocaust.”.Goldstein said to avoid infringing on freedom of expression, Crown attorneys should be provided with discretion about how to apply charges in the bill. He said the phrase 'Holocaust distortion' should be used in the bill because it is more precise than downplaying, and will uphold freedom of expression. .Goldstein suggested removing the ability for people to use truth as a defence against Holocaust denial charges, because it can be used to re-litigate whether or not the Holocaust happened. .About 25 countries have laws addressing Holocaust denial. .The Ontario Civil Liberties Association (OCLA) said it is concerned with the Canadian government’s proposal to make Holocaust denial a crime, stating the criminalization of opinion is “incompatible with a free and democratic society.”.“By its false logic, the government could equally criminalize expression — including questions and calls for independent investigations — about other events of national or global significance, such as wars, public health crises, and natural disasters,” said OCLA executive director Joseph Hickey. .A new record was set for antisemitic incidents in Canada for the sixth year in a row in 2021, an increase of 7.2% on the previous year, according to the 40th Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents by B’nai Brith Canada. .“Despite the dismal numbers posted in 2021, there is always hope for improvement,” said B’nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn. .“Better reporting of hate crimes and incidents, better training and resources for police departments to recognize and combat antisemitism, may all make a difference, if achieved.”.About eight antisemitic incidents occurred every day in Canada. There was a 733% increase in violent antisemitic incidents compared to 2020.
B’nai Brith Canada has put forward some ideas to the Senate about how to improve Canada’s proposed law about Holocaust denial. .“Antisemitism may take many forms, but as this legislation recognizes, Holocaust denial and distortion remain go-to staples for antisemites,” said B’nai Brith Canada Director of Legal Affairs Sam Goldstein in a Wednesday press release. .“We are grateful for the Committee’s invitation to address it on new Holocaust denial legislation, particularly in light of a poll showing fewer than half of Canadians knew of the annihilation of much of European Jewry during World War Two.”.While B’nai Brith Canada supports freedom of expression and is mindful about limitations to it, Goldstein said it was necessary to add Holocaust distortion and denial to the Criminal Code of Canada through Bill C-19. .Bill C-19 would amend the Criminal Code to “prohibit the communication of statements, other than in private conversation, that willfully promote antisemitism by condoning, denying or downplaying the Holocaust.”.Goldstein said to avoid infringing on freedom of expression, Crown attorneys should be provided with discretion about how to apply charges in the bill. He said the phrase 'Holocaust distortion' should be used in the bill because it is more precise than downplaying, and will uphold freedom of expression. .Goldstein suggested removing the ability for people to use truth as a defence against Holocaust denial charges, because it can be used to re-litigate whether or not the Holocaust happened. .About 25 countries have laws addressing Holocaust denial. .The Ontario Civil Liberties Association (OCLA) said it is concerned with the Canadian government’s proposal to make Holocaust denial a crime, stating the criminalization of opinion is “incompatible with a free and democratic society.”.“By its false logic, the government could equally criminalize expression — including questions and calls for independent investigations — about other events of national or global significance, such as wars, public health crises, and natural disasters,” said OCLA executive director Joseph Hickey. .A new record was set for antisemitic incidents in Canada for the sixth year in a row in 2021, an increase of 7.2% on the previous year, according to the 40th Annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents by B’nai Brith Canada. .“Despite the dismal numbers posted in 2021, there is always hope for improvement,” said B’nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn. .“Better reporting of hate crimes and incidents, better training and resources for police departments to recognize and combat antisemitism, may all make a difference, if achieved.”.About eight antisemitic incidents occurred every day in Canada. There was a 733% increase in violent antisemitic incidents compared to 2020.
