FederalBill C-254First Reading
Bill C-254: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (promotion of hatred against Indigenous peoples)
Sponsor: Leah GazanIntroduced October 31, 2025Last checked August 28, 2026
Read the official text on parl.caOfficial version — LEGISinfo, Parliament of Canada
What this bill does
This bill amends the Criminal Code to make it a criminal offence to wilfully promote hatred against Indigenous peoples by condoning, denying, downplaying, or justifying the Indian residential school system in Canada through public statements, punishable by up to two years imprisonment.
Plain-language summary by Legisail.
Business impact
Compliance
This bill primarily affects businesses and individuals involved in media, publishing, broadcasting, online content creation, education, and public communications across all Canadian provinces and territories. Any business that produces or disseminates public-facing content — such as news outlets, social media platforms, podcast producers, authors, educators, or event organizers — would need to be aware that public statements condoning, denying, or downplaying the residential school system could result in criminal charges. Size does not matter; a solo blogger or podcaster faces the same liability as a large media company. Day-to-day activities affected include editorial decisions, content moderation, public speaking engagements, and the publication of opinion pieces or educational materials.
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Where this bill is
First ReadingOctober 31, 2025
Next: Second Reading debate
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