Justice Committee on June 6th, 2024

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

I want to be clear: This is not an objection.

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

I understand your position, Mr. Zuberi.

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

I'm sorry, Mr. Fortin, but I didn't object to your question. I raised a point of order, which is legitimate.

How does your question relate to the current study on Islamophobia?

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

May I respond, Madam Chair?

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

Absolutely, yes.

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

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

You still have a minute, but—

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

I had a minute and a half and I don't want to waste it answering the question.

[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]

Is Mr. Zuberi going to get some speaking time later? Give him a minute so that he'll stop interrupting me.

Madam Chair, may I respond?

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

It's a point of order, so go ahead.

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

Yes, I understand.

We are talking about Islamophobia, which in layman's terms is hatred towards the Muslim community, which I and all of us condemn.

My question is about what we, as legislators, can do about this issue. I referred to a provision in the Criminal Code that prohibits the promotion of hatred against Muslims and other communities, and an exemption that allows it on the basis of a religious text.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

Mr. Fortin, I heard you correctly. Thank you.

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

Madam Chair?

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

Mr. Zuberi, please, it's my turn to speak.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

No, stop. I heard you on a point of order. I heard your answers.

Mr. Fortin, if the witness wants to answer, then go ahead.

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

That's what I was trying to do, Madam Chair, until Mr. Zuberi interrupted me.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

I'll start the clock again. You have a minute and a half.

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

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I won't repeat my question, but it was about whether Ms. Zine and Mr. Emon believe we should keep or eliminate the exemption based on a religious text, which is provided for in section 319 of the Criminal Code.

Ms. Zine first, and then Mr. Emon, could you each answer the question in 30 seconds? I think that's about as much time as I have left.

[Dr. Jasmin Zine]

Okay, I'm sorry. I'm not familiar with this particular section in the code, and having not studied it, I don't think that I can provide an appropriate example or an appropriate response to that. It's a very—

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

Ms. Zine, I'm sorry to interrupt you. I don't mean to be rude. It's okay if you can't answer my question.

Mr. Emon, can you answer it?

[Dr. Anver M. Emon]

I too am not a criminal law specialist, so I'm hesitant to venture a response on this issue.

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

Thank you, Ms. Zine and Mr. Emon.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Lena Metlege Diab]

Thank you all.

We will now conclude the meeting for today. We'll see you all on Monday. Thank you.

The meeting is adjourned.