Where did Bill C-63 come from?
Lobbying is a reality in politics. Special interests groups lobby money to get certain agendas pushed, and to get money for their causes. This is hardly news. Searching the Federal Lobbyist Registry, the following names come up:
- Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)
- National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM)
- Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund (LEAF)
- YWCA Canada
- Friends of Canadian Broadcasting
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, CIJA, has been prolific in lobbying Ottawa for changes to the Human Rights Act, and to the Criminal Code. This group has pushed for stricter definitions around so-called hate crimes and antisemitism. Their recent efforts include making Holocaust denial punishable by prison time, and removing religious protections. See here and here.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims, NCCM, specifically lists Section 13 of the Canadian Rights Act. They want laws against Islamophobia, and condemn “white supremacy”. Other efforts include anti-racism initiatives, such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Something is off when both the “Official Muslims” and the “Official Jews” are both pushing to undermine our right to free speech.
