Liberals pause hate crimes legislation, shift focus to tougher bail bill 

January 27,2026

RED FM News Desk

The Canadian Press reports that the Liberal government has agreed to put its hate crimes legislation on hold in order to fast-track passage of its tougher bail bill. 

On Monday, the justice committee approved a motion to pause clause-by-clause consideration of the hate crimes bill, C-9, so it can instead focus on the bail reform bill, C-14. 

The move follows pressure from the Conservatives and comes after the Liberals and Bloc Québécois agreed to amend Bill C-9. The proposed change would remove a religious exemption related to hate speech from the Criminal Code. 

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized the amendment, calling it an attack on freedom of expression and religious freedom. 

Bill C-9 includes provisions that would create new offences for obstruction and intimidation aimed at protecting places of worship, while Bill C-14 proposes stricter bail rules for a range of offences.