TORONTO, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021- The Canadian Jewish Community Forum notes the significance of the third Judicial proceeding in the last year supporting the utilization of the Criminal Code in the fight against racism and hate promotion.
Most recently, on September 3, 2021, Calgary mayoral candidate, Kevin J. Johnston pleaded guilty to promoting hatred against the Muslim people on the internet. Johnston has repeatedly been found guilty of racist behaviour and has engaged in encouraging others to defy public health restrictions.Johnston's conviction follows the finding of the Court of Appeal of Ontario on July 16, 2021, rejecting the attempts to appeal the convictions of James Sears of promoting hatred against Jews and women for statements written and published in Your Ward News distributed in Toronto.
In September, 2020, David Popescu, a perennial candidate for public office, was convicted of promoting hatred against gay people when he called for violence against then Premier Kathleen Wynn because of her sexual orientation.
Over 30 years ago the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the anti-hate law provisions of the Criminal Code were constitutional. All political leaders have repeatedly stated that there is should be no tolerance for hatred against identifiable groups in Canada.
"We are now in a crisis situation of increasing racism and hatred." said CJCF President Les Scheininger. "It is essential that the criminal law be visibly utilized. The direction must come from government, but the media also has responsibilities. It is curious that there has been a lack of media and public attention to these recent important judicial rulings.".
About the Canadian Jewish Community Forum
The Canadian Jewish Community Forum was formally launched on May 27, 2021 by a group of former Canadian Jewish Congress senior leaders from coast to coast. For 92 years, until its dissolution in 2011, CJC was recognized as the Parliament of Canadian Jewry and served as the community’s democratic and grassroots voice, advocate and intervenor with governments, courts and other communities, domestically and internationally. The CJCF will provide a forum to educate, discuss and debate issues of interest and concern, both regional and national, that impact Canada, the Canadian Jewish community and the welfare of the people of Israel.
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Contact:
Mike Cohen
Communications Advisor, communicationsmjc@gmail.com
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