moved for leave to introduce Bill C-257, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (promotion of terrorist activity or group).
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a bill that would amend the Criminal Code. The bill would create a new criminal offence against the wilful promotion of terrorism, a terrorist group or terrorist activity, with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. Canada already criminalizes participation in and the aiding of terrorism, but there is no criminal offence targeting the advocacy for or promotion of terrorism. This gap allows extremists and recruiters to promote terrorism on our streets and online.
My bill would amend the Criminal Code by making it criminal to promote terrorist activity or a terrorist group. The bill would protect charter rights by creating the defences of religion, truth or public interest discussions, because the purpose is not to abridge speech, but criminalize the glorification and normalization of terrorism before terrorism ensues.
I am proud of my Conservative colleagues for standing with Canada's Jewish community and supporting my bill to criminalize the wilful promotion of terrorism.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)