Justice Committee on June 6th, 2024

[Shafqat Ali, Liberal, Brampton Centre, ON]

Thank you, Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

Mr. Garrison has given up his time frame, but we will go for the very last two and a half minutes to Mr. Fortin, please.

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

There's not much we can do in two minutes.

Mr. Emon and Ms. Zine, my question is for both of you.

Currently, certain provisions of section 319 of the Criminal Code prohibit the promotion of hatred or anti-Semitism. In two cases, the code provides what is referred to as a religious exemption. Paragraphs 319(3)(b) and 319(3.1)(b) state that “no person shall be convicted of an offence … if, in good faith, the person expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text”.

That means that promoting hatred and anti-Semitism is prohibited under the Criminal Code, but if it is done on the basis of a religious opinion or text, there would be a reasonable defence.

Briefly, what are your thoughts on that?

I've finished my question and I have a minute left.

Ms. Zine, can you answer in 30 seconds?

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Madam Chair, I have a point of order. Does our colleague Mr. Fortin's question have anything to do with the current study?

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

Okay, I understand.

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

This is the first time someone has objected to my questions in committee. I'm used to it in court, but not in committee.

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

I'm not objecting to your question. I have a point of order.

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

It's very relevant.

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

I'm making a legitimate point. We are currently conducting a study on Islamophobia, and I would like to know how your question relates to the subject of the study.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

Okay, thank you. I heard you.

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Madam Chair, I hope you stopped the clock on my time.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

Mr. Fortin, the witnesses may have an answer for you. Who is the question for?

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

You're wondering who I asked?

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

Yes.

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

I want to say two things. First of all, I will respond to Mr. Zuberi's objection, but I just want to make sure that you stopped the clock.

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

It's just a clarification.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

I would ask that we stay on topic.

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Yes, that's what I want to respond to.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

You have another minute, as you know.

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

Madam Chair, Mr. Zuberi is wasting my time. If you don't stop the clock—

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

A point of order.

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

When Mr. Zuberi raised his objection, I had a minute and a half left.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

Yes, that's true.

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

I raised a point of order. I did not object to your question.

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

I want to respond.