Carney's Prime Minister's Office Embraces British Traditions

Mark Carney's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has gained attention for its strict adherence to British customs. The PMO has mandated that all official documents utilize British spelling. Additionally, staff members are required to wear formal business attire, with men expected to don black shoes, a standard in London's financial and political sectors. This dress code reflects a broader admiration for British traditions.

However, Carney's affinity for the U.K. raises concerns, particularly regarding political censorship. The U.K. has become a notable example of restrictions on free speech among Western democracies. According to the Free Speech Union, police in the U.K. make approximately 30 arrests daily, totaling around 12,000 annually, for offensive online messages. Laws such as the Communications Act of 2003 and the Public Order Act of 1986 have been used to suppress jokes and political discussions. For instance, in September, comedy writer Graham Linehan was arrested at Heathrow Airport for allegedly inciting violence through jokes about transgender issues posted on social media.

In England and Wales, police also document "non-crime hate incidents," which can lead to police visits and a permanent record, even without a crime being committed. This practice has resulted in police involvement over tweets from journalists and minor social media disputes.

On September 19, the Carney government introduced Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, which proposes significant changes to the Criminal Code that could threaten free expression. One major change is the removal of the requirement for provincial attorneys general to consent to hate propaganda charges, allowing police to file charges independently. This change raises concerns about the potential for misunderstanding and abuse, as hate offenses are often vague and subjective.

The bill also criminalizes the public display of certain symbols deemed to promote hatred. While local media often report on individuals displaying offensive symbols, such as swastikas, these symbols are not currently illegal. Critics argue that forcing such symbols underground could empower extremists and increase societal polarization. The bill's scope may expand, as questions have already arisen about including symbols like the Confederate flag.

Additionally, Bill C-9 introduces a new standalone hate crime offense. If any crime is motivated by hatred, it could be treated as a separate offense, potentially leading to life imprisonment. This aspect of the bill has raised alarm among Canadians, as it blurs the line between speech and criminality.

The bill also criminalizes actions that intimidate or obstruct individuals accessing cultural or religious sites, which some view as redundant since such actions are already illegal. However, concerns remain about how law enforcement will interpret and enforce these provisions.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the proposed legislation is the redefinition of hatred. The bill suggests a new statutory definition that describes hatred as "the emotion that involves detestation or vilification and that is stronger than disdain or dislike." This contrasts with the current legal understanding, which emphasizes that hatred must be an extreme manifestation of such emotions. Critics argue that this change lowers the threshold for prosecution, potentially leading to increased censorship and a chilling effect on free speech in Canada.