My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I write to you today to convey my support of the 4 December letter to Prime Minister Carney issued by the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) concerning proposed amendments to Bill C-9 and the possible removal of the long-standing “good faith” religious-text defence in the Criminal Code.

As Catholics, we must always firmly reject all forms of hatred and discrimination, and we stand in solidarity with those who suffer from violence, intimidation, or prejudice. Our faith calls us to uphold the dignity of every human person and to contribute to a society marked by justice, peace, and respect for all.

At the same time, the concerns highlighted by the CCCB deserve serious attention. The ability to express and teach our faith freely—without fear that sincere, good-faith proclamation of the Gospel might be misunderstood as unlawful—is a cornerstone of a healthy, democratic Canada. Removing this narrow but important safeguard risks creating uncertainty for clergy, educators, and all people of faith who seek to pass on the teachings of the Church with charity and integrity.

I encourage you to read the CCCB Permanent Council’s letter in full and to stay informed about the discussions surrounding Bill C-9. I also ask that you join me in praying that our elected officials will work collaboratively with religious communities and legal experts to ensure that efforts to curb hatred do not unintentionally undermine the constitutional freedoms that allow people of all faiths to flourish in our country.

I am sharing this letter and the communication from the Permanent Council of the CCCB with every elected Member of Parliament in the Archdiocese of Toronto so that they are aware of our deep concerns. You are also encouraged to respectfully contact your own Member of Parliament (MP). You can find contact information for your local MP by clicking here.

Let us continue to witness to Christ with confidence, compassion, and truth, trusting always in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Be assured of my continued gratitude and ongoing prayers for you and your loved ones.

Sincerely Yours in Jesus with Mary,

Frank Cardinal Leo
Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto