FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Canadian Imams Demand Parliamentary Text Match Assurances in Bill C-9
Ottawa, ON – February 24, 2026 – The Canadian Council of Imams (CCI) is cautiously optimistic about clarifications from the federal government that Bill C-9 is not intended to affect good-faith reading and discussion of religious texts, but believes that the wording of amendments must fully match verbal assurances.
The clarification was offered yesterday by Patricia Lattanzio, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, who said: “For greater clarity, the bill will state in plain terms that nothing in this legislation affects worship, sermons, prayer, religious education, peaceful debate, or the good faith reading and discussion of religious texts.”
If this is the government’s true intent, CCI insists that the statement, as recorded in Hansard, be codified directly into the text of the legislation to provide clarity and protect Charter freedoms.
Religious freedom must not be left to interpretation or political compromise. Parliament must ensure that Canadians can worship, teach, and learn in good faith without fear of legal ambiguity.
CCI continues to be concerned that the removal of the good-faith religious exemption in the deeply flawed bill was made at the behest of the Bloc Québécois. Secularism policies supported by the party have caused demonstrable harm to visible religious minorities in Quebec, particularly Muslim women and students.
“This change imports Quebec-style anti-religious secularism into federal law, which is wholly unacceptable,” said Imam Sikander Hashmi, Executive Director of CCI.
While removing the religious exemption is unacceptable, offering clarity is a positive step, provided the wording of any amendment fully matches verbal assurances offered by government officials.
About the Canadian Council of Imams
The Canadian Council of Imams (CCI) is an independent, non-profit organization uniting over 100 Imams and Islamic religious leaders across Canada. Established in 1990, CCI supports Imams in their spiritual and community leadership roles while serving as a trusted source of Islamic guidance for Canadian Muslims, government bodies, and the public.
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