Canada’s House of Commons has passed a significant new law that seeks to criminalise the public display of symbols linked to designated Khalistan terrorist organisations when such displays are used to promote hatred. The move marks a notable shift in Canada’s approach to handling extremist symbolism and hate-related offences, especially in the context of rising concerns from various community groups.

The legislation, known as the Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9), successfully cleared its third reading on March 25, 2026. It was passed with a vote of 186 in favour and 137 against. After this stage, the bill has now been sent to the Senate, where it will undergo further review before it can officially become law.

The bill introduces a new offence under Canada’s Criminal Code. It specifically targets the wilful promotion of hatred against identifiable groups through the public display of symbols associated with terrorist organisations. Among those included are flags linked to Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF). Both of these groups are officially designated as terrorist organisations in Canada as well as in India.

In addition to addressing the use of such symbols, the law also strengthens penalties for hate-motivated crimes. It creates new offences aimed at protecting individuals who are trying to access places of worship, schools, or other religious and cultural institutions. Any attempts to intimidate or block access to such spaces would now attract stricter legal consequences under this legislation.

Reports from Canadian media, including CBC News, indicate that the main goal of the law is to prevent the public glorification of terrorism through symbolic displays. At the same time, it aims to ensure that communities are protected from acts of hate, harassment, and disruptions at religious sites. The law is designed to strike a balance between addressing extremist activities and maintaining public order.

The response from community groups has largely been positive. Indo-Canadian, Jewish, and Hindu organisations have welcomed the move. They have described it as a long-overdue step, especially after years of reported incidents involving harassment, vandalism, and intimidation. Supporters believe that the law will make it more difficult for extremist elements to operate openly in public spaces.

However, the bill has not been without criticism. Opposition has come from members of the Conservative Party and the New Democratic Party (NDP). They have raised concerns regarding freedom of speech and the potential impact of the law on civil liberties. Some civil rights groups have also warned that the legislation could lead to overreach if not implemented carefully.

Despite these concerns, the bill includes safeguards. It requires proof of intent to “wilfully promote hatred” for an offence to be established. This means that not all displays of such symbols would automatically be considered illegal. For example, private use or historical displays are not directly targeted under the law. Authorities would need to demonstrate clear intent behind the act before taking action.

This legislative development comes at a time when relations between India and Canada have shown signs of improvement. The change has taken place under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who assumed office in March 2025. Over the years, sections of the Indo-Canadian community have expressed concerns about the presence and activities of Khalistani extremist groups within Canada. These concerns have often played a role in shaping diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The Khalistan insurgency in India, particularly in Punjab, had largely come to an end in the 1990s. However, some overseas groups have continued to remain active. Their activities, including public demonstrations and symbolic displays, have periodically caused friction in international relations.

If the bill is approved by the Senate and receives Royal Assent, it will become law and mark a major step in Canada’s efforts to combat hate and extremism. Its real impact, however, will depend on how effectively it is implemented. The role of law enforcement agencies and the interpretation of the law by courts will be crucial in determining how these provisions are applied in real-world situations.