Add political belief to CHRA
Petitioners ask the House of Commons to support Bill C‑257, adding “political belief or activity” as a prohibited ground in the Canadian Human Rights Act and to protect peaceful political expression. The government responds that the bill lapsed when Parliament dissolved and a new bill is required, while affirming commitment to anti‑discrimination and Charter freedoms.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would add ‘‘political belief or activity’’ to the Canadian Human Rights Act, giving enforceable protection against political discrimination in federally regulated contexts.
- It aims to protect citizens’ ability to express political views peacefully, which supporters say preserves open public debate and democratic participation.
- A statutory prohibition could provide legal remedies to victims and deter discriminatory practices based on politics.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- It could conflict with Charter protections for freedom of expression and assembly, prompting legal challenges over balancing rights and discrimination law.
- Defining ‘‘political belief or activity’’ may be legally and administratively difficult, risking vague standards or inconsistent enforcement.
- Employers, service providers and institutions could face compliance burdens and litigation; existing laws or targeted policies might offer narrower alternatives.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the House of Commons We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas: Canadians have the right to be protected against discrimination; Canadians can and do face political discrimination; It is a fundamental Canadian right to be politically active and vocal; It is in the best interest of Canadian democracy to protect public debate and the exchange of differing ideas; and Bill C-257 seeks to add protection against political discrimination to the Canadian Human Rights Act. Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to: 1. Support Bill C-257 which bans discrimination on the basis of political belief or activity; and 2. Defend the rights of Canadians to peacefully express their political opinions.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Signed by THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY PATRICIA LATTANZIO Protecting Canadians from discrimination in the federally regulated sectors is a core principle of the Canadian Human Rights Act and a cornerstone of our democratic values. The Government of Canada is proud to uphold and strengthen these protections, working continuously to ensure that everyone in Canada can live free from discrimination and with equal opportunity to participate fully in society. Bill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposed to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination. When the 44th session of Parliament was dissolved on March 23, 2025, all parliamentary business, including bills, motions, inquiries and committee reports, ceased in both the Senate and the House of Commons. This means that Bill C-257, as a Private Member’s Bill, was also terminated before completing the legislative process. As a new Parliamentary Session has now opened, a new bill would need to be introduced in order to follow the legislative process. The Government believes that all people in Canada are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. The rights of people in Canada to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental aspects of our democracy and are constitutionally protected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The ability to express one’s opinions or beliefs brings to life such rights and democratic values such as freedom of expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting the Charter and its protections, including with respect to political expression.