Justice Committee on Oct. 23rd, 2025

[Anju Dhillon, Liberal, Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, QC]

Can you please give a written response?

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Miller]

That would be acceptable to us.

[Anju Dhillon, Liberal, Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, QC]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Miller]

Mr. Fortin, you have the floor for two minutes.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Ms. Hallett, I only have two minutes of speaking time, but I will give them to you.

I would like you to talk to us about the effect of hate symbols on children and teachers in our schools.

If possible, I would like you to distinguish between different types of symbols, such as those identifying a criminal or terrorist organization, or any other type of symbol.

Can you tell us, in two minutes, what effect these symbols have on children and teachers in our schools?

[Cassandra Hallett]

Unfortunately, across the country, we are seeing an increase in violence and aggression in schools, especially at the primary level. Our Canada-wide research shows that symbols and ideas originating on social media, among other places, are negatively influencing students, to the extent that some do not feel comfortable or safe in their schools, while others feel that they might become more aggressive if they see certain symbols—

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

In a few seconds, do you have any specific examples of these symbols?

[Cassandra Hallett]

Yes.

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

For example, we know that there were T-shirts with slogans supporting the Hells Angels. Hamas flags—

[Cassandra Hallett]

In New Brunswick, cards sent by post contained symbols and messages that were clearly anti-2SLGBTQ. This had a very negative effect on students. There are other examples across the country that we could talk about.

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

Thank you very much.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Miller]

Thank you.

I want to thank all the witnesses. This was very helpful to the committee. Indeed, this will probably translate into our views on the legislation. I want to take this chance, from the chair's position, to thank all of you for that testimony today.

[Andrew Lawton, Conservative, Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON]

Before the witnesses are dismissed, Mr. Chair, I want to say that I ran out of time before I could get to professors Butler and Kogan, but I sense that they have a response to the government's report on anti-Semitism in Ontario schools. I just want to ask if we could allow them to provide to the committee a written submission on anything they wish to share on that.

[A voice]

Absolutely.

[Deidre Butler]

I will with pleasure.

[Andrew Lawton, Conservative, Elgin—St. Thomas—London South, ON]

Thank you very much.

I wanted to get to you, but I ran out of time.

[Deidre Butler]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Marc Miller]

Thank you.

On that note, I wish everyone a great Friday and a great weekend.

Go, Jays!