View source for Public Incitement of Hatred (Offence)

{{Currency2|August|2022}}
{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderOffences}}

{{OffenceBox 
|OffenceTitle=Public Incitement of Hatred
|OffencePage=Public Incitement of Hatred 
|Section=319 
|Act={{OBCCC}}
|CrownElection={{OBHybridElection}}
|Jurisdiction={{OBJurisdictionAll-Under14}}
|Bail={{OBBailJudge}} (s. 318)<br>{{OBBailAll}} (s. 319) 
|SummaryDisp= {{OBDispAll}} 
|SummaryMin= {{OBMinNone}}
|SummaryMax= {{OBSConviction}} 
|IndictableDisp= {{OBDispSame}}
|IndictableMin= {{OBMinNone}}
|IndictableMax={{OBTime|2, 5 years}} }}

==Overview==
{{OverviewVIII|public incitement of hatred}}

; Pleadings

{{PleadingsHeader-N}}
{{PleadingsIndictableList-N|s. 318 {{DescrSec|318}}| {{NA}} | {{Yes}} | {{No-Under14}} }}
{{PleadingsHybridList-N|s. 319(1) {{DescrSec|319(1)}} and<Br>s. 319(2) {{DescrSec|319(2)}}| {{Yes}} | {{Yes-IfCrown}} | {{No-Under14}} }}
{{PleadingsEnd}}

{{PleadingsIndictElection-Under14|s. 318 {{DescrSec|318}}}}

{{PleadingsHybridElection-Under14|s. 319(1) {{DescrSec|319(1)}} and (2)  {{DescrSec|319(2)}}}}

; Release
{{ReleaseHeader}}
|s. 318 {{DescrSec|318}}<br>s. 319 {{DescrSec|319}} || {{ReleaseProfile-Hybrid}} 
|-
{{ReleaseEnd}}

{{ReleaseOptions-Hybrid|s. 318 {{DescrSec|318}}, 319(1) {{DescrSec|319(1)}} and (2) {{DescrSec|319(2)}} }}

:''<u>Renversement du fardeau de la preuve</u>''
{{ReverseOnusCirc}}

:''Fingerprints and Photos''
{{IDCriminalAct|s. 318 and 319}}

; Publication Bans
{{GeneralPubBan}}

; Offence Designations
{{DesignationHeader}}
|-
|s. 318 {{DescrSec|318}} || {{OKMark}} <!--wire--> || {{XMark}} <!--DO-->||{{XMark-Under10}} <!--SPIO--> || {{OKMark}} <!--consent--> || {{XMark}}
|-
|s. 319(1) {{DescrSec|319(1)}} and<Br>s. 319(2) {{DescrSec|319(2)}}|| {{XMark}} <!--wire--> || {{XMark}} <!--DO-->||{{XMark-Under10}} <!--SPIO--> || {{OKMark}} <!--consent--> || {{XMark}}
{{DesignationEnd}}
{{AGConsent|s. 318 {{DescrSec|318}} and 319(1) and (2)}}

{{SeeBelowForAncillary}}
{{reflist|2}}

==Offence Wording==
{{quotation3|
; Advocating genocide
318 (1) Every person who advocates or promotes genocide is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years.
<br>
{{removed|(2)}}
; Consent
(3) No proceeding for an offence under this section shall be instituted without the consent of the Attorney General.
<br>
{{removed|(4)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 318; 
{{LegHistory00s|2004, c. 14}}, s. 1; 
{{LegHistory10s|2014, c. 31}}, s. 12; 
{{LegHistory10s|2017, c. 13}}, s. 3;
{{LegHistory10s|2019, c. 25}}, s. 120.
|{{CCCSec2|318}}
|{{NoteUp|318|1|3}}
|{{Terms-
|"genocide" (s. 318(2))
|[[Definitions|"Attorney General"]] (s. 2)
}}
}}

{{quotation3|
; Public incitement of hatred
319 (1) Every one who, by communicating statements in any public place, incites hatred against any identifiable group where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace is guilty of
:(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or
:(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.
{{removed|(2), (2.1), (3), (3.1), (4), (5), (6) and (7)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 319; 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 203; 
{{LegHistory00s|2004, c. 14}}, s. 2;
{{LegHistory20s|2022, c. 10}}, s. 332.
|{{CCCSec2|319}} 
|{{NoteUp|319|2}}
|{{Terms-
|"communicating" (s. 319(7))
|"public place" (s. 319(7))
}}
}}

{{quotation3|
319 <br>
{{removed|(1)}}
; Wilful promotion of hatred
(2) Every one who, by communicating statements, other than in private conversation, wilfully promotes hatred against any identifiable group is guilty of
:(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or
:(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.<br>
{{removed|(2.1), (3), (3.1), (4), (5), (6) and (7)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 319; 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 203; 
{{LegHistory00s|2004, c. 14}}, s. 2;
{{LegHistory20s|2022, c. 10}}, s. 332.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|319}} 
|{{NoteUp|319|2}}
|{{Terms-
|"communicating" (s. 319(7))
|"identifiable group" (s. 319(7))
}}
}}

{{quotation3|
319 <br>
{{removed|(1) and (2)}}
; Wilful promotion of antisemitism
(2.1) Everyone who, by communicating statements, other than in private conversation, wilfully promotes antisemitism by condoning, denying or downplaying the Holocaust
:(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or
:(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
{{removed|(3), (3.1), (4), (5), (6) and (7)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 319; 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 203; 
{{LegHistory00s|2004, c. 14}}, s. 2;
{{LegHistory20s|2022, c. 10}}, s. 332.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|319}} 
|{{NoteUp|319|2.1}}
|{{Terms-
|"communicating" (s. 319(7))
}}
}}

===Draft Form of Charges===
{{seealso|Draft Form of Charges}}
{{DraftHeader}}
|-
|318 
| advocating genocide
|"{{ellipsis1}}, did advocate or promote genocide, to wit: [describe the conduct], {{contrary|318}}."
|-
| 319(1)
| public incitement of hatred
|"{{ellipsis1}}, in a public place, did by communicating statements, to wit: [describe statement], incite hatred against an identifiable group, to wit: [group], with the likelihood of leading to a breach of peace contrary to section 319(1) of the ''Criminal Code''."
|-
| 319(2)
| wilful promotion of hatred
|"{{ellipsis1}}, by communicating statements, to wit: [describe conduct], wilfully promote hatred against an identifiable group, to wit: [group], contrary to section 319(2) of the ''Criminal Code''."
|-
| 319(2.1)
| Wilful promotion of antisemitism
|"{{ellipsis1}}, contrary to section 319(2.1) of the ''Criminal Code''."
{{DraftEnd}}

==Proof of the Offence==
{{ElementHeader}}
{{ElementLeft}}

{{Proving|advocating genocide|318}}
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit "advocates or promotes" genocide by "following acts committed with intent to destroy in whole or in part any identifiable group".

{{Proving|Public incitement of hatred|319(1)}}
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit communicated statements;
# {{box}} the statements were in a "public place";
# {{box}} the statements incite "hatred against a group";
# {{box}} the group is an "identifiable group";
# {{box}} the incitement is "likely to lead to a breach of the peace"; and 
# {{box}} the culprit knew or was wilfully blind to the likelihood.

{{ElementRight}}

{{Proving|Public incitement of hatred|319(2)}}
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit communicates statements;
# {{box}} the communication was not in "in private conversation";
# {{box}} the culprit "wilfully promotes hatred against" a group;
# {{box}} the group is an "identifiable group".

{{ElementEnd}}

===Draft Form of Charges===
{{seealso|Draft Form of Charges}}

==Interpretation of the Offence==
===Promotion of Hatred===
Wilful promotion of hatred requires the Crown to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt that the [accused] made some or all of the statements alleged in the information and whether the statements made, as a matter of fact, promoted hatred of the [identifiable group]."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Krymowski|1jtfn|2005 SCC 7 (CanLII)|[2005] 1 SCR 101}}{{perSCC|Charron J}}
</ref>

; Totality of Circumstances
The judge must consider the "totality of the evidence."<ref>
{{ibid1|Krymowski}}{{AtL|1jtfn|19}}<Br>
{{CanLIIRP|Ahenakew|1vh6t|2008 SKCA 4 (CanLII)|227 CCC (3d) 428}}{{perSKCA|Richards JA}} (3:0){{atL|1vh6t|21}} (" in considering a charge under s. 319(2), a trial judge must consider not only the words used by the accused, but the circumstances and context in which they were spoken.")
</ref>

This may include factors such as:<Ref>
{{ibid1|Krymowski}}{{AtL|1jtfn|19| to 20}}
</ref>
* terminology and history of the ethnic group
* Location where the rally was held
* actions and speech of the rally members 
* the contexts fo the speech or words spoken
* symbols and banners 
* the "ethnic flavour" of the event

; ''Mens Rea''
The minimum mens rea required is wilful blindness and not mere reckelssness.<Ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Harding|1f82f|2001 CanLII 21272 (ON CA)|160 CCC (3d) 225}}{{perONCA|Weiler JA}} (3:0)
</ref>

This should require:<ref>
{{ibid1|Harding}}{{AtL|1f82f|63}}
</ref>
# a subjective realization 
# of the likely result of his actions 
# deliberately avoid actual knowledge while engaging in or pursuing the activity.

{{reflist|2}}

===Advocating Genocide===
The offence under s. 319 only concerns the "most intense forms of dislike."<ref>
{{CanLIIRPC|Mugesera v Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration)|1l249|2005 SCC 40 (CanLII)|[2005] 2 SCR 100}}{{perSCC-H|McLachlin C.J. and Major, Bastarache, Binnie, LeBel, Deschamps, Fish and Charron JJ}}</ref>

; Causation
The section does not require proof that the communication caused actual hatred or violence.<ref>
{{ibid1|Mugesera}}</ref>

; Wilful Promotion
It is necessary for the Crown to prove that:<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Buzzanga and Durocher|g181w|1979 CanLII 1927 (ON CA)|49 CCC (2d) 369}}{{perONCA-H|Martin JA}}</ref>
# the accused's "conscious purpose .. was to promote hatred against [the identifiable group]", or 
# "they foresaw that the promotion of hatred against that group was certain or morally certain to result from the [prohibited act]" despite doing the act "as a means of achieving" an ancillary purpose

; Constitutionality
Section 319(2) was found to violate the freedom of expression under .s 2(b) but was upheld under s. 1.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Keegstra|1fsr1|1990 CanLII 24 (SCC)|[1990] 3 SCR 697}}{{perSCC|Dickson CJ}}
</ref>

The reverse onus found in s. 319(3)(a) violates the presumption of innocence under s.11(d) of the Charter but was upheld as a reasonable limitation.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Keegstra|1frd0|1996 CanLII 221 (SCC)|[1996] 1 SCR 458}}{{perSCC|Iacobucci J}}</ref>

{{reflist|2}}
===Definitions===
{{quotation2|
318<Br>
{{removed|(1)}}
; Definition of “genocide”
(2) In this section, '''"genocide"''' means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy in whole or in part any identifiable group, namely,
:(a) killing members of the group; or
:(b) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction.
{{removed|(3)}}
; Definition of “identifiable group”
(4) In this section, '''"identifiable group"''' means any section of the public distinguished by colour, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or mental or physical disability.
<br>
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 318; 
{{LegHistory00s|2004, c. 14}}, s. 1; 
{{LegHistory10s|2014, c. 31}}, s. 12; 
{{LegHistory10s|2017, c. 13}}, s. 3;
{{LegHistory10s|2019, c. 25}}, s. 120.
|{{CCCSec2|318}}
|{{NoteUp|318|2|4}}
}}

{{quotation2|
319<br>
{{removed|(1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6)}}
; Definitions
(7) In this section,<br>
'''"communicating"''' includes communicating by telephone, broadcasting or other audible or visible means;<br>
'''"Holocaust"''' means the planned and deliberate state-sponsored persecution and annihilation of European Jewry by the Nazis and their collaborators from 1933 to 1945;<bR>
'''"identifiable group"''' has the same meaning as in section 318 {{AnnSec3|318A}};<br>
'''"public place"''' includes any place to which the public have access as of right or by invitation, express or implied;<br>
'''"statements"''' includes words spoken or written or recorded electronically or electro-magnetically or otherwise, and gestures, signs or other visible representations.
<br>
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 319;
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 203; 
{{LegHistory00s|2004, c. 14}}, s. 2;
{{LegHistory20s|2022, c. 10}}, s. 332.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|319}} 
|{{NoteUp|319|7}}
}}

===Promotion of Hatred===
The promotion of hatred is a question of fact determined by the judge.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Krymowski|1jtfn|2005 SCC 7 (CanLII)|[2005] 1 SCR 101}}{{perSCC|Charron J}}{{atL|1jtfn|18}}</ref>

"The word ‘promotes’ indicates active support or instigation" as well as "foment or stir up". It "indicates more than simple encouragement or advancement."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Keegstra|1fsr1|1990 CanLII 24 (SCC)|[1990] 3 SCR 697}}{{perSCC|Dickson CJ}}{{atps|776-777}}</ref>

To promote hatred, more than "mere encouragement" is required.<ref>
{{CanLIIRPC|Mugesera v Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration)|1l249|2005 SCC 40 (CanLII)|[2005] 2 SCR 100}}{{perSCC-H|McLachlin C.J. and Major, Bastarache, Binnie, LeBel, Deschamps, Fish and Charron JJ}} at 100-7</ref>

It is not necessary to prove that the communication actually caused hatred.<ref>
{{ibid1|Mugesera}}{{AtsL|1l249|100| to 107}}</ref>

To determine whether the communication promotes hatred the court must "consider the [communication] objectively but with regard for the circumstances in which the [communication] was given, the manner and tone used, and the persons to whom the message was addressed."<ref>
{{ibid1|Mugesera}}{{atL|1l249|106}}</ref>
The standard is different from the "reasonable observer" standard as it takes into account the nature of the audience itself.<ref>
{{ibid1|Mugesera}}{{atL|1l249|109}}</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Private Conversation===
The offence under s. 319(2) excludes any communication that is in "private conversation".

This suggests that an "expression of hatred in a place accessible to the public is not sufficient."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Keegstra|1fsr1|1990 CanLII 24 (SCC)|[1990] 3 SCR 697}}{{perSCC|Dickson CJ}} at 772</ref> 
There needs to be a subjective mens rea, and as a result a "conversation or communication intended to be private does not satisfy the requirements of the provision if through accident or negligence an individual's expression of hatred for an identifiable group is made public."<ref>
{{ibid1|Keestra}} at 773 (cited to SCR)</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Mens Rea===
The ''mens rea'' of the offence requires "either an intent to promote hatred or knowledge of the substantial certainty of such."<ref>'
{{CanLIIRP|Keegstra|1fsr1|1990 CanLII 24 (SCC)|[1990] 3 SCR 697}}{{perSCC|Dickson CJ}} at 785<br>
{{CanLIIRPC|Mugesera v Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration)|1l249|2005 SCC 40 (CanLII)|[2005] 2 SCR 100}}{{perSCC-H|McLachlin C.J. and Major, Bastarache, Binnie, LeBel, Deschamps, Fish and Charron JJ}}{{atL|1l249|104}}</ref>

"Wilful" can include wilful blindness.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Harding|1w18r|2001 CanLII 28036 (ON SC)|40 CR (5th) 119}}{{perONSC|Dambrot J}} and upheld at {{CanLIIP|1f82f|2001 CanLII 21272 (ON CA)|160 CCC (3d) 225}}{{perONCA|Weiler JA}}</ref> 
It most be more than mere recklessness.<ref>
{{ibid1|Harding}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Consent==

{{quotation3|
319 <br>
{{removed|(1), (2), (2.1), (3), (3.1), (4) and (5)}}
; Consent
(6) No proceeding for an offence under subsection (2) {{AnnSec3|319(2)A}} or (2.1) {{AnnSec3|319(2.1)A}} shall be instituted without the consent of the Attorney General.<Br>
{{removed|(7)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 319; 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 203; 
{{LegHistory00s|2004, c. 14}}, s. 2;
{{LegHistory20s|2022, c. 10}}, s. 332.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|319}} 
|{{NoteUp|319|6}}
|{{Terms-
|[[Definitions|"Attorney General"]] (s. 2)
}}
}}

==Defences==
The statutory defences are set out in s. 319 (b), which states:
{{quotation2|
319<br>
{{removed|(1), (2) and (2.1)}}
; Defences
(3) No person shall be convicted of an offence under subsection (2) {{AnnSec3|319(2)A}}
:(a) if he establishes that the statements communicated were true;
:(b) if, in good faith, the person expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text;
:(c) if the statements were relevant to any subject of public interest, the discussion of which was for the public benefit, and if on reasonable grounds he believed them to be true; or
:(d) if, in good faith, he intended to point out, for the purpose of removal, matters producing or tending to produce feelings of hatred toward an identifiable group in Canada.<br>

{{removed|(3.1), (4), (5), (6) and (7)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 319; 
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 203; 
{{LegHistory00s|2004, c. 14}}, s. 2;
{{LegHistory20s|2022, c. 10}}, s. 332.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|319}}
|{{NoteUp|319|3}}
|{{Terms-
|"identifiable group" (s. 318(7))
}}
}}


{{quotation2|
319<br>
{{removed|(1), (2), (2.1) and (3)}}
; Defences — subsection (2.1)
(3.1) No person shall be convicted of an offence under subsection (2.1) {{AnnSec3|319(2.1)A}}
:(a) if they establish that the statements communicated were true;
:(b) if, in good faith, they expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text;
:(c) if the statements were relevant to any subject of public interest, the discussion of which was for the public benefit, and if on reasonable grounds they believed them to be true; or
:(d) if, in good faith, they intended to point out, for the purpose of removal, matters producing or tending to produce feelings of antisemitism toward Jews.
{{removed|(4), (5), (6) and (7)}}

{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|319}}
|{{NoteUp|319|3}}
|{{Terms-
|"statements" (s. 319(7))
}}
}}

==Participation of Third Parties==
{{seealso|Role of the Victim and Third Parties|Testimonial Aids for Young, Disabled or Vulnerable Witnesses}}

; Testimonial Aids
{{3rdPTestimonyAids}}

; On Finding of Guilt 
{{VictimHeader}} <!-- Sections / Notice of Agree / Notice of Restitution / Notice of VIS --> 
|s. 318 {{DescrSec|318}} || || || 
|- 
|s. 319 {{DescrSec|319}} || || || 
|- 
{{VictimEnd}}

{{RestitutionNotice}}

{{VISNotice}}

==Sentencing Principles and Ranges==
{{seealsoSentencing}}

; Maximum Penalties

{{SProfileMaxHeader‎}}
{{SProfileMax|s. 318 {{DescrSec|318}} |{{NA}} | {{Max5Years}} }}
{{SProfileMax|s. 319 {{DescrSec|319}}| {{Summary}} |{{summaryconviction}} }}
{{SProfileMax|s. 319 {{DescrSec|319}}|Indictment Election|{{Max2Years}}}}
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{MaxPenaltyIndictment|s. 318 {{DescrSec|318}}|'''{{Max5Years}}'''}}

{{MaxPenaltyHybrid|s. 319 {{DescrSec|319}}|'''{{Max2Years}}'''|'''{{summaryconviction}}'''}}

; Minimum Penalties
{{NoMinimumPenalties}}

; Available Dispositions
{{SProfileAvailHeader}}
|s. 318 {{DescrSec|318}}|| {{NA}} || {{SProfileAll}}
|-
|s. 319 {{DescrSec|319}}|| any || {{SProfileAll}}
|-
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{AllDispositionsAvailable}}

; Consecutive Sentences
{{NoConsecutive}}

===Principles===

===Ranges===
{{seealsoRanges|Public Incitement of Hatred}}

==Ancillary Sentencing Orders==
{{seealso|Ancillary Orders}}

===Sentencing Profile===
; Offence-specific Orders
{{AOrderHeader}}

{{AOrder1| [[DNA Orders]]  | s. 318 |
* {{SecondDNA(AorB)|s. 318}} }}

{{AOrderEnd}}

; General Sentencing Orders
{{GeneralSentencingOrders}}

; General Forfeiture Orders
{{GeneralForfeitureOrders}}

===Forfeiture Orders===
Section 319 provides its own manner of forfeiture: 
{{quotation2|
319<br>
{{removed|(1), (2) and (3)}}
; Forfeiture
(4) Where a person is convicted of an offence under section 318 {{AnnSec3|318}} or subsection (1) {{AnnSec3|319(1)}} or (2) {{AnnSec3|319(2)}} of this section, anything by means of or in relation to which the offence was committed, on such conviction, may, in addition to any other punishment imposed, be ordered by the presiding provincial court judge or judge to be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province in which that person is convicted, for disposal as the Attorney General may direct.
<br>
; Exemption from seizure of communication facilities
(5) Subsections 199(6) {{AnnSec1|199(6)}} and (7) {{AnnSec1|199(7)}} apply with such modifications as the circumstances require to section 318 {{AnnSec1|318}} or subsection (1) {{AnnSec3|319(1)}} or (2) {{AnnSec3|319(2)}} of this section.
<br>
{{removed|(6) and (7)}}
R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. C-46}}, s. 319; R.S., {{LegHistory80s|1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.)}}, s. 203; {{LegHistory00s|2004, c. 14}}, s. 2.
{{Annotation}}
|{{CCCSec2|319}}
|{{NoteUp|319|4|5}}
}}

==Record Suspensions and Pardons== 
{{RecordSuspension|s. 318 and 319}}

==History==
* [[History of Public Incitement of Hatred]]

==See Also==
* See also [[Hate Propaganda Warrants and Forfeiture Orders]]
; Related Offences
* Publishing False News (s. 181)
* [[Defamatory Libel (Offence)|Defamation and Libel]] (s. 297 to 317)
; References
* [[Pre-Trial and Trial Motions Checklist]]