RE: Bill C-9 update: PAOC guidance - An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places)

Dear PAOC credential holders, churches and ministries:

Christmas greetings.

We continue to actively monitor the fluid developments of Bill C-9 and we are in regular communication with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada on a collaborative interdenominational response for maximum impact.  The EFC represents over a hundred affiliate organizations including 60 denominations. They are constantly updating their website www.TheEFC.ca/C-9 with current information and strategically mobilizing contact with Members of Parliament (MP) and Prime Minister Mark Carney.

What you can do:

1. Encourage your constituents to contact their MP. Bill C-9 is still being studied by the Justice Committee and MPs will have a chance to vote on amendments and the final bill in the House of Commons.
   
   Find your MP here.  See the EFC’s talking points for sample wording.

   Ask your local MP to:

• Bring back the good faith religious belief defence
• Make sure the definition of hatred is strong and carefully worded
• Enforce existing laws to protect religious minorities and address the alarming level of antisemitism in Canada

2. Share this information and the resources at www.TheEFC.ca/C-9 within your constituency.
   
   
3. Plan to contact your province’s senators in the New Year. It’s important that they hear from concerned Canadians about a need to look at this closely.
   
   
4. Pray that as Christians in Canada we would honour God and love our neighbour in all our interactions, including on this bill.
   

Continuing to pray, alongside you, for Canada,

Rev. David Wells
General Superintendent

Photo by Benoit Debaix on Unsplash.