When it comes to free speech, every country has a limit. For Canada, publicly inciting hatred is a criminal offense that could land you two years in prison. Now the country is considering further speech limitations on online platforms.
Canada’s criminal code defines hatred as “communicating statements in any public place, that incites hatred against any identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace.”
While often compared to the United States over its close proximity, Canada’s constitution explicitly allows for freedom of speech, subject to “reasonable” limits by the law. But some critics say the broad definitions complicate how these limits are applied.
Dr. Jordan Peterson, Canadian psychologist and social media personality, has spoken out about hate speech legislation in the past. “Who defines hate? Those people that would least want to have defined it. That would be the inevitable consequence of the legislation,” he argues.
Canada’s government however has recently shifted focus from hate speech in the streets to the threats from online platforms.
“Online platforms are increasingly central to participation in democratic, cultural and public life. However, such platforms can also be used to threaten and intimidate Canadians and to promote views that target communities, put people’s safety at risk, and undermine Canada’s social cohesion or democracy,” according to the Canadian government’s website.
The country is currently debating online safety legislation that in part aims to counter “harmful content and views.” A board of experts will be tasked with advising the government on how to define what is harmful speech as well as how to regulate online content and ensure compliance among the Canadian citizenry.
The Canadian government says, “Now, more than ever, online services must be held responsible for addressing harmful content on their platforms and creating a safe online space that protects all Canadians.”