Latest news with #SeanFraser
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Canada considers tougher laws to address extremism
Toronto Canada's justice minister Sean Fraser. Ottawa is considering new legislation aimed at preventing protests outside key public spaces such as places of worship, schools and community centres, in response to concerns about extremism and public safety. The proposed law would criminalise the blocking of access to these venues and introduce penalties for individuals found guilty of wilfully intimidating or threatening people attending events there. Justice minister Sean Fraser emphasised that the law seeks to balance the right to freedom of expression with the protection of religious freedoms, stating, 'People need to know that in Canada they are free to pray to the God of their choice and to, at the same time, freely express themselves, but not to the point where you threaten the protected Charter rights of a religious minority.' The proposal comes nearly eight months after the violent invasion of the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton by pro-Khalistan protestors. The demonstrators had targeted the temple over the presence of Indian officials for a consular camp on the premises. This incident, along with other similar events, has raised concerns over the rise of radical elements in the country. Ritesh Malik, chair of the Canada-India Foundation (CIF), expressed support for stronger measures, calling for a tougher stance against extremism. 'Glorification of violence, celebration of violence, extremism should not be allowed to happen anywhere on Canadian soil, not in schools or places of worship,' Malik said. 'What's happening right now is radicalising youth, and violence is being celebrated. That needs to stop.' Malik's comments came during the United Against Extremism conference, held in the Greater Toronto Area, which focused on the growing issue of pro-Khalistan radicalism and anti-Semitic extremism in Canada. The conference was organised by the CIF in collaboration with Tafsik Organization, a Jewish civil rights group. Tafsik's executive director, Amir Epstein, also voiced support for the proposed legislation. 'I think it's great, and I think it should absolutely happen,' he said. 'We need to make sure people aren't protesting in front of schools, daycares, synagogues, Hindu temples, or churches.' In the past, Indo-Canadian places of worship have implemented 'bubble zones' to protect themselves from pro-Khalistan protestors. For example, in November 2023, Vancouver's Ross Street Gurdwara was granted an injunction by a local court that prevented protests within a designated area, ensuring the smooth operation of two consular camps. A similar restraining order was issued for the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Toronto. However, the violent incident at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton had a chilling effect on other temples, some of which canceled consular camps after receiving advisories from local law enforcement. Pro-Khalistan groups have also been known to gather at memorials for the victims of the 1985 Air India bombing, though their numbers were notably low at recent memorials marking the 40th anniversary of the attack.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Communities targeted by extremists want Canadian govt to take striction action to rein in radical elements
Toronto: While the Canadian government is considering legislation to prevent protests outside places of worship, schools and community centres, groups opposed to extremism in the country have sought tougher measures to rein in radical elements in the country. The gathering at the United Against Extremism conference in the town of Woodbridge in the Greater Toronto Area on Sunday. (Credit: CIF) Ottawa is looking at introducing legislation with criminal provisions to prevent blocking of access to such venues, and creating a criminal offence of wilfully intimidating or threatening people attending events there, the agency Canadian Press reported. It cited Canada's Justice Minister Sean Fraser as saying, 'People need to know that in Canada they are free to pray to the God of their choice and to, at the same time, freely express themselves, but not to the point where you threaten the protected Charter rights of a religious minority.' It has been over seven months since the violent invasion of the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton by pro-Khalistan protestors, who were demonstrating there against the presence of Indian officials for a consular camp on the premises. Participants in a panel at the United Against Extremism conference in the town of Woodbridge in the Greater Toronto Area on Sunday. (Credit: CIF) Reacting to the proposed measure, Ritesh Malik, chair of the Canada-India Foundation (CIF), said, 'Glorification of violence, celebration of violence, extremism should not be allowed to happen anywhere on Canadian soil, not schools or not just places of worship.' 'I think there needs to be a firmer stand in terms of what the Government will do to curb such extremist ideologies and the way its radicalising youth, the way violence is being celebrated. That needs to stop,' he said. Malik was speaking at the United Against Extremism conference organised in the Greater Toronto Area on Sunday. The conference featured several panels and focused on the rise of pro-Khalistan radicalism and anti-semitic extremism in Canada in the recent past. It was organised by CIF along with Tafsik Organization, a Jewish civil rights group. Tafsik's executive director Amir Epstein said of the proposed law, 'I think it's great, I think it should absolutely happen, we did need it.' 'Now we have to make sure that people don't do this in front of little kids' schools in front of daycares, in front of synagogues in front of Hindu temples, in front of churches,' he added. Epstein said the objective of the conference, the first of its kind, was to 'create awareness about the extremism in our country and the fact that we're losing this country to extremist groups.' 'We want to create awareness, so we're able to understand what the threat even is. I feel like people don't even understand what it is,' he said. 'This conference was an attempt to bring that discussion and provide a platform to people and give them a venue where they can share their concerns,' Malik said. The concept of the bubble zone has been used by Indo-Canadian places of worship to protest themselves against pro-Khalistan groups. In November last year, the historic Ross Street Gurdwara in Vancouver, was given an injunction by a local court disallowing protests within a specific area and that prevented disruption of two consular camps being held there. Later that month, the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Toronto received a similar restraining order from an Ontario court preventing protesters from gathering within 100 metre of its premises as it hosted a consular camp. However, the attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir did have a chilling effect on other temples which cancelled scheduled camps, after being advised to do so by local law enforcement. Pro-Khalistan elements had also taken to gathering at the memorials for the victims of Air India flight 182, the Kanishka, in recent years. However, they were absent at the memorials in Ottawa and Toronto on the 40th anniversary of the worst terror attack in Canadian history, which claimed 329 lives on June 23, 1985. While they did appear at the Vancouver memorial, their numbers were noticeably low.
The Province
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Province
Liberals revamping online harms bill with focus on deepfakes, exploitation and AI: justice minister
'The world changes and governments would be remiss if they didn't recognize that policy needs to shift,' says Sean Fraser Published Jun 29, 2025 • 4 minute read Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the federal government will revisit its online harm legislation this summer, with a renewed focus on AI, deepfake and child protection. Photo by JULIE OLIVER / Postmedia Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the federal government plans to take a 'fresh' look at its online harms legislation over the summer, but it's not clear yet exactly what the bill will look like when it is reintroduced. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors It would be the Liberals' third attempt to pass legislation to address harmful behaviour online. Fraser told The Canadian Press in an interview that the government hasn't decided whether to rewrite or simply reintroduce the Online Harms Act, which was introduced in 2024 but did not pass. He said Canadians can expect measures addressing deepfakes and child exploitation 'to be included in legislative reforms coming up in the near future.' In their election platform, the Liberals promised to make the distribution of non-consensual sexual deepfakes a criminal offence. They also pledged to introduce a bill to protect children from online sexploitation and extortion, and to give law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools to pursue those crimes. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Fraser said the growth of artificial intelligence is influencing the discussions. The spread of generative AI has changed both the online space and everyday life since the federal government first introduced the legislation. 'We will have that in mind as we revisit the specifics of online harms legislation,' he added. 'The world changes and governments would be remiss if they didn't recognize that policy needs to shift.' Who's responsible for online harms? Responsibility for troubled file floats between ministers Online harms legislation was first proposed by then-heritage minister Steven Guilbeault in 2021, but after widespread criticism, the government pivoted and shifted the file to the justice minister. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Guilbeault is now back in his old ministry, which has been renamed Canadian identity and culture. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also created an artificial intelligence ministry, headed up by rookie MP Evan Solomon. Fraser said he expects 'significant engagement' with Guilbeault and Solomon, but it will be determined later which minister will take the lead on the file. The first version of the bill alarmed critics who warned that the provision requiring platforms to take down offending content within 24 hours would undermine free expression. When Fraser's predecessor, Arif Virani, introduced the Online Harms Act in 2024, the bill restricted that 24-hour takedown provision to content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, or intimate content shared without consent, including deepfakes. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, walks behind Prime Minister Mark Carney. Photo by John Mahoney / Montreal Gazette It also required social media companies to explain how they plan to reduce the risks their platforms pose to users, and imposed on them a duty to protect children. But the government also included Criminal Code and Canadian Human Rights Act amendments targeting hate in the same legislation — which some said risked chilling free speech. In late 2024, Virani said he would split those controversial provisions off into a separate bill, but that didn't happen before this spring's federal election was called, and the bill died on the order paper. Fraser said no decision has been made yet on whether to bring back online harms legislation in one bill or two. 'That is precisely the kind of thing that I want to have an opportunity to discuss with stakeholders, to ensure we're moving forward in a way that will create a broad base of public support,' he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Fraser said the government could 'modify existing versions that we may have on the shelf from the previous Parliament as may be needed, or to accept the form in which we had the legislation.' He added he wants to have a 'fresh consideration of the path forward, where I personally can benefit from the advice of those closest to the file who know best how to keep kids safe online.' While the government hasn't set a date to introduce legislation, it could include some online harms measures in a crime bill Fraser plans to table in the fall. Fraser said online harms provisions that 'touch more specifically on criminal activity' could be 'included in one piece of legislation, with a broader set of reforms on online harms at a different time.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner said she hopes to get Liberal support for her private members' bill that tackles online harms. It's a second version of legislation previously introduced by the Alberta MP, who says she tried to incorporate feedback from stakeholder groups and the previous response to C-63. Her bill would impose on platforms a duty of care for children, and modernize laws around non-consensual distribution of intimate images to include sexual deepfakes, among other measures. Rempel Garner said she wrote the proposed bill, which she argues can be quickly passed and implemented, as 'a non-partisan plea to move forward with legislation that could provide immediate protections without forcing massive trade offs in civil liberties.' Read More Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Vancouver Canucks BC Lions Vancouver Canucks News News
National Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- National Post
Liberals revamping online harms bill with focus on deepfakes, exploitation and AI: justice minister
Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the federal government plans to take a 'fresh' look at its online harms legislation over the summer, but it's not clear yet exactly what the bill will look like when it is reintroduced. Article content It would be the Liberals' third attempt to pass legislation to address harmful behaviour online. Article content Article content Fraser told The Canadian Press in an interview that the government hasn't decided whether to rewrite or simply reintroduce the Online Harms Act, which was introduced in 2024 but did not pass. Article content Article content He said Canadians can expect measures addressing deepfakes and child exploitation 'to be included in legislative reforms coming up in the near future.' Article content Article content In their election platform, the Liberals promised to make the distribution of non-consensual sexual deepfakes a criminal offence. They also pledged to introduce a bill to protect children from online sexploitation and extortion, and to give law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools to pursue those crimes. Article content Fraser said the growth of artificial intelligence is influencing the discussions. Article content The spread of generative AI has changed both the online space and everyday life since the federal government first introduced the legislation. Article content 'We will have that in mind as we revisit the specifics of online harms legislation,' he added. 'The world changes and governments would be remiss if they didn't recognize that policy needs to shift.' Article content Online harms legislation was first proposed by then-heritage minister Steven Guilbeault in 2021, but after widespread criticism, the government pivoted and shifted the file to the justice minister. Article content Article content Guilbeault is now back in his old ministry, which has been renamed Canadian identity and culture. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also created an artificial intelligence ministry, headed up by rookie MP Evan Solomon. Article content Article content Fraser said he expects 'significant engagement' with Guilbeault and Solomon, but it will be determined later which minister will take the lead on the file. Article content The first version of the bill alarmed critics who warned that the provision requiring platforms to take down offending content within 24 hours would undermine free expression. Article content When Fraser's predecessor, Arif Virani, introduced the Online Harms Act in 2024, the bill restricted that 24-hour takedown provision to content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, or intimate content shared without consent, including deepfakes. Article content
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Liberals taking ‘fresh' look at online harms bill, justice minister says
Published Jun 29, 2025 • 3 minute read Minister of Justice Sean Fraser is pictured in his office at the Justice building on Parliament Hill shortly after being appointed to the portfolio in June 2025. Photo by JULIE OLIVER / Postmedia OTTAWA — Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the federal government plans to take a 'fresh' look at its online harms legislation over the summer but it's not clear yet exactly what the bill will look like when it is reintroduced. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account It would be the Liberals third attempt to pass legislation to address harmful behaviour online. Fraser told the Canadian Press in an interview that the government hasn't decided whether to rewrite or simply reintroduce the Online Harms Act, which was introduced in 2024 but did not pass. He said Canadians can expect measures addressing deepfakes and child exploitation 'to be included in legislative reforms coming up in the near future.' In their election platform, the Liberals promised to make the distribution of non-consensual sexual deepfakes a criminal offence. They also pledged to introduce a bill to protect children from online sexploitation and extortion, and to give law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools to pursue those crimes. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Fraser said the growth of artificial intelligence is influencing the discussions. The spread of generative AI has changed both the online space and everyday life since the federal government first introduced the legislation. 'We will have that in mind as we revisit the specifics of online harms legislation,' he added. 'The world changes and governments would be remiss if they didn't recognize that policy needs to shift.' Online harms legislation was first proposed by then-heritage minister Steven Guilbeault in 2021, but after widespread criticism, the government pivoted and shifted the file to the justice minister. Guilbeault is now back in his old ministry, which has been renamed Canadian identity and culture. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also created an artificial intelligence ministry, headed up by rookie MP Evan Solomon. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Fraser said he expects 'significant engagement' with Guilbeault and Solomon but it will be determined later which minister will take the lead on it. Recommended video The first version of the bill alarmed critics who warned that the provision requiring platforms to take down offending content within 24 hours would undermine free expression. When Fraser's predecessor, Arif Virani, introduced the Online Harms Act in 2024, the bill restricted that 24-hour takedown provision to content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, or intimate content shared without consent, including deepfakes. It also required social media companies to explain how they plan to reduce the risks their platforms pose to users, and imposed on them a duty to protect children. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But the government also included Criminal Code and Canadian Human Rights Act amendments targeting hate in the same legislation, which some said risked chilling free speech. In late 2024, Virani said he would split those controversial provisions off into a separate bill, but that didn't happen before this spring's federal election was called and the bill died on the order paper. Fraser said no decision has been made yet on whether to bring back online harms legislation in one bill or two. 'That is precisely the kind of thing that I want to have an opportunity to discuss with stakeholders, to ensure we're moving forward in a way that will create a broad base of public support,' he said. Fraser said the government could 'modify existing versions that we may have on the shelf from the previous Parliament as may be needed, or to accept the form in which we had the legislation.' He added he wants to have a 'fresh consideration of the path forward, where I personally can benefit from the advice of those closest to the file who know best how to keep kids safe online.' While the government hasn't set a date to introduce legislation, it could include some online harms measures in a crime bill Fraser plans to table in the fall. Fraser said online harms provisions that 'touch more specifically on criminal activity' could be 'included in one piece of legislation, with a broader set of reforms on online harms at a different time.'
