This update covers developments relating to the freedoms of expression, association and assembly in Canada from late October 2025 to January 2026.
Context
Quebec Premier François Legault steps down ahead of a fall election
On 14th January 2026, François Legault, Premier of Quebec, announced he will step down ahead of a provincial election this autumn, following a decline in public support and mounting political tensions. First elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Legault led the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) with a focus on economic growth, including expanding the province’s hydroelectric sector.
His resignation comes as the nationalist Parti Québécois surges in the polls, pledging to hold a referendum on independence if elected, reviving long-standing debates over Quebec’s status within Canada. The political landscape has further destabilised following the recent resignation of Quebec Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez, who stepped down amid allegations of vote-buying during his leadership race, which he denies. With both major parties in transition, Quebec faces a decisive electoral moment in 2026.
A pivot away from a “Feminist Foreign Policy”
In November 2025, at the G20 Summit that took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, Prime Minister Mark Carney articulated that Canada’s foreign policy would no longer be framed as a “feminist foreign policy.” While he expressed that gender-based violence and LGBTQI+ rights are priorities to address, they will not guide foreign policy or economic decisions, including partnerships with other countries. In early December 2025, over 90 organisations signed on to an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Carney to express concern over his remarks.
Civil society speaks out against the Border-Security Bill
On 24th November 2025, Bill C-12, the “Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act,” received further criticism when a coalition of civil society organisations convened for a press conference to voice concerns about the legislation. Gauri Sreenivasan, Co-Executive Director of the Canadian Council of Refugees, stated, “This deeply concerning and highly controversial legislation will put many refugees in danger, risking their return to persecution in violation of rights protected under the Charter and international law.”
Peaceful Assembly
Police arrest land defenders protesting logging operations
On 25th November 2025, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Critical Response Unit (CRU-BC), a specialised unit of the federal police force tasked with responding to energy industry (gas and oil pipeline) incidents and related public order, arrested at least four land defenders during a peaceful protest against logging operations in the Walbran Valley, on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, on Canada’s west coast. Authorities stated that three defenders (two women and one man) were arrested for alleged breaches of a court-ordered injunction, while one man faced charges of criminal mischief.
According to media reports, dozens of protesters had attempted to stop a forestry company from logging in eight designated areas (“cutblocks”) near the camp, which they described as one of the few remaining intact stands of old-growth forest on Vancouver Island. On the following day, peaceful protests continued, with protesters attaching themselves to structures or taking part in a “tree sit”. Authorities later released those detained on conditions, with court appearances scheduled for January 2026.
Over the course of the same week, police arrested a total of six protesters for alleged breaches of the injunction and related offences. The arrests took place during the enforcement of the injunction at Cougar Camp, located on Pacheedaht territory, Indigenous land in the Walbran Valley. The Pacheedaht First Nation, an Indigenous governing authority in the area, stated that it supports forestry operations and that the blockade undermines its authority.
On 12th and 13th December, police arrested two additional protesters blocking access to a forestry operation in the Carmanah Valley, near Lake Cowichan in British Columbia, for alleged breaches of the injunction. In one case, officers removed a man positioned on a tripod blocking a roadway. In another, police arrested a woman after she climbed into a tree structure that temporarily halted logging operations. Authorities released both activists at the scene on conditions.
According to the human rights organisation Peace Brigades International Canada, officers reportedly raided and dismantled parts of the protest camp and cleared the area during enforcement. The organisation also highlighted that the police unit involved in the operation is under investigation by a federal oversight body. Land defenders established the camp in August 2025 to block access to logging in one of the remaining areas of old-growth forest in the region.
Similar events have occurred in recent years. In 2021, protests at Fairy Creek, in the same region, resulted in more than 1,100 arrests, which independent media described as the largest act of civil disobedience in Canada’s history.
In a separate incident, on 13th December 2025, two cabins at a Mi’kmaq land defenders’ camp on Hunter’s Mountain (Tqamuoweye’katik), in Nova Scotia, Atlantic coast, were destroyed by fire during an ongoing protest against logging activities. One structure was completely destroyed and the second sustained significant damage. No injuries were reported, and the cabins were unoccupied at the time.
Land defenders established the camp in September 2025 as part of Mi’kmaq-led opposition to logging on what Indigenous groups described as unceded territory, land over which no formal treaty or surrender has been concluded. Protesters raised concerns about the impact of logging on local ecosystems, traditional medicines and culturally significant sites. The camp hosted community members, including elders, women and children, as well as supporters from across the province.
Community leaders described the incident as an alleged hate crime. Michelle Carmelina Bernard, a Mi’kmaq land defender, and Chris Googoo of the We’koqma’q First Nation characterised the burning of the cabins as violence directed at the community.
[The current provincial government of Nova Scotia—under Premier Tim Houston has] stood by while Mi’kmaq land protectors at Hunter’s Mountain were vilified, criminalised, surveilled, and pushed aside for defending unceded land. …Now, in the wake of that government inaction and inflammatory rhetoric, we see the predictable result: non-Native members taking it upon themselves to burn property left behind at Hunter’s Mountain—property belonging to land protectors. Let us be clear: this is not a random act. This is what happens when governments dehumanise Indigenous people, dismiss Treaty rights, and send a message that Mi’kmaq resistance is disposable. When leaders speak recklessly, others act violently.
- The Mi’kmaq People of Mi’kma’ki.
The fires occurred shortly after land defenders reduced their presence at the site in early December 2025, while maintaining a limited occupation ahead of anticipated renewed logging activity. The protest had gained visibility in preceding weeks, including a solidarity rally in Halifax in mid-November 2025, which several hundred people attended, and which environmental organisations and Mi’kmaq leaders supported.
Protesters stage convoy demonstration over government-ordered animal cull
On 22nd November 2025, protesters gathered in vehicles for a noise demonstration and “slow-roll convoy” outside of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in protest at the cull of over 300 ostriches following an outbreak of bird flu and government regulation of farms. This action took place following legal proceedings between the government and farm owners who had pushed back against the cull order. The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by the owners to protect the birds, causing some to believe the government had extended its power too far.
Protesters arrested and homes raided following demonstration against arms trade conference
On 21st October 2025, protesters congregated in London, Ontario, to demonstrate outside the “Best Defence Conference,” a military trade show hosted by Elbit, Lockheed, and other prominent weapons manufacturers. Protesters blocked entrances into the facility and reiterated calls for an end to support of companies contributing to the genocide against Palestinians and an arms embargo on Israel. Six protesters were arrested for their participation in this action. Following this, on 26th November, police raided the homes of Rachel Small, an organiser with World BEYOND War Canada, and three other activists. Small has since been released.
Association
Targeting of Muslim charities by auditing agency
On 30th October 2025, a coalition of over 200 Canadian Muslim civil society organisations signed an open letter addressed to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding disproportionate scrutiny and auditing of Muslim-led charities. NSIRA, the national security watchdog, surfaced systemic discrimination against these organisations by the CRA. At a press conference, the National Council of Canadian Muslims, alongside partners, called for transparency and accountability of the agency.
Union’s victory amidst employment cuts
In January 2026, the Canadian government made known its plan to make significant cuts to public services in the budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This move would mean a shrunken government staff across departments, including Employment and Social Development, Health, Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Environment and Climate Change, which would have implications on programmes and services for the Canadian people and leave thousands without jobs.
It would also have implications for the resources and capacity of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA), the national security watchdog. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) President, Sharon DeSousa, raised concerns over this decision, stating, “Setting a blanket goal of budget reductions for departments without an overview of the entire public service is anything but fiscally responsible.” The President of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), Sean O’Reilly, noted the impacts on both workers and “quality of service that Canadians receive.”
At the end of 2025, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post came to a tentative agreement after negotiations that spanned two years over employee contracts. The agreement language was finalised in January 2026 and included key union wins such as increased wages and better benefits, despite reports of the outlet’s financial losses. While CUPW has encouraged union members to vote yes on the agreement, some parties, affiliation unknown, are urging employees to vote against the agreement for failing to address some of the demands made by negotiators. The vote to ratify the agreement will be scheduled soon.
Negotiations Update: Tentative Agreements Reached https://t.co/6iZXHPHLcK
— CUPW (@cupw) December 22, 2025
Expression
Notwithstanding Clause paves way for anti-trans laws
Raised in the previous CIVICUS Monitor update, Canada has seen a rise in the use of the notwithstanding clause, which can be “invoked when a legislator wants to pass legislation that violates rights and freedoms protected by several sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.” United Conservatives in Alberta have utilised the notwithstanding clause once again, in this case to restrict the rights of transgender people.
The three laws affecting this community will impede on names and pronouns, participation of trans people in sports, and access to gender-affirming care. Amnesty International Canada’s English-Speaking section Secretary General, Ketty Nivyabandi, expressed that the use of this clause “to override the rights of transgender children endangers transgender and gender-diverse Albertans and violates the spirit of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.” The provision has been used four times in one month to impede the rights of public sector workers and Muslim women.
Proposed fee for information requests may restrict public access
On 13th November 2025, the Vancouver City Clerk sent a report to the Vancouver City Council recommending an “application fee” for requests made under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy By-law No. 11451. This fee would “cover some administrative costs and discourage excessive, repetitive, piecemeal, and/or overly broad requests.”
The Canadian Association of Journalists raised concerns about this and urged the council to reject the plan at its meeting, noting that it limits the public’s access to information that they are entitled to.
Proposed hate crime law raises concerns over impact on civic freedoms
On 19th September 2025, the federal government introduced Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), which seeks to address and prevent hate crimes, but in turn threatens fundamental freedoms. As analysed by civil society organisations, the bill proposes to remove the requirement for Attorney General consent before initiating proceedings for hate propaganda offences, thereby reducing an existing safeguard in the application of such charges.
It also introduces four new criminal offences, including the public display of symbols deemed to wilfully promote hatred, as well as offences related to intimidation and obstruction of access to spaces used by identifiable groups. In addition, it incorporates a statutory definition of “hate crime offence” within the Criminal Code. Some of the proposed offences rely on broad and subjective criteria, including conduct intended to “provoke a state of fear in another person”, which may carry penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Organisations warned that such provisions could extend criminal liability to forms of protest perceived as disruptive or offensive, even where they remain peaceful.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential discriminatory impact of the legislation. Evidence indicates that Black and racialised people are disproportionately subject to surveillance and policing, and the bill may reinforce these patterns through expanded discretionary powers. The bill grants wide interpretative authority to law enforcement, particularly in assessing symbols, intent and conduct during demonstrations. This may result in arbitrary arrests and increased policing of protests, with implications for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
In response, on 3rd December 2025, at a news conference in Ottawa, a coalition of civil society organisations called on the Liberal government to withdraw Bill C-9. The bill is being studied at the parliamentary Justice Committee.
Inquiry highlights need for safeguards in police restrictions on journalists
On 18th December 2025, British Columbia’s Human Rights Commissioner, Kasari Govender, sent letters to each mayor of the province to share recommendations that are an outcome of the inquiry her office conducted into law enforcement’s use of media exclusion zones. This inquiry began in October 2023 following the removal of unhoused people from the Hastings encampment in April 2023 and police restrictions placed on journalists during that action. The report that will publicise her recommendations and findings is set to be published in February 2026.
Notably, Govender called on local officials to implement a recommendation that would require police departments to halt the restriction of media access around police action unless authorised by a judicial body. This call seeks to bring policies at the local government level in alignment with international human rights standards. There have been clashes between journalists and law enforcement in the region historically, including the arrest of Amber Bracken in 2021, which has led to legal proceedings.
The trial of photojournalist Amber Bracken, who was arrested while documenting Indigenous resistance to the building of a Coastal GasLink pipeline through Wet’suwet’en territory in November 2021, began on 12th January 2026. The arrest was made by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and Bracken and The Narwhal, the outlet she was reporting on behalf of, are suing the law enforcement agency for violating her right to cover the events as a member of the press.
The Canadian Association of Journalists has issued statements in support of the journalist, highlighting the role she has played in pushing back on restrictions placed on the press in their coverage of important actions and the tensions between reporters and police. The trial will have implications on protest rights, media coverage of protests, media exclusion zones, and accountability for law enforcement that violates the rights of the press.
Civil society participation to inform national AI strategy
On 21st January 2026, civil society actors launched The People’s Consultation on AI to meaningfully engage the public in the formulation of Canada’s artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. In October 2025, the government formed a task force to inform its strategy, but left out critical voices, including those who would be most directly affected by the use of this technology, skewing input and feedback, and only allowed 30 days for the public to comment.
More than 160 civil society organisations and individuals signed an open letter raising concerns over the shortfalls of the technology, the government’s approach to AI policy, and its lack of engagement with key communities. The creation of the People’s Consultation seeks to engage academics, affected communities, advocacy organisations and others to offer input on whether and how AI should be utilised and regulated in the country.
Other developments
Punitive drug policies threaten rights and target vulnerable communities in Ontario
On 5th June 2025, the Safer Municipalities Act (Bill 6) was enacted in the province of Ontario, prohibiting “the public consumption of illegal substances.” Failing to abide by this law would result in jail sentences or significant fines. Bill 223, passed by Ontario the previous year, limits the use of drugs in safe consumption sites, which are exempted from enforcement under Bill 6. Amnesty International sounded the alarm over law enforcement’s disproportionate targeting of particular communities under these policies. Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction lifted up concerns around the unique impact of drug use in indigenous populations.