Canada to outlaw Holocaust denial, downplaying the Nazis’ murder of Jews

Holocaust denial is to be outlawed in Canada, in a further effort to stamp out antisemitism.

Making statements denying, condoning or downplaying the Holocaust, except in a private conversation, is to be made a criminal offence.

The federal government is set to use a bill enacting the budget to change the Criminal Code this year, building on existing laws outlawing the incitement of hatred.

Canada will join a number of European countries including Germany, Greece, France, Belgium and the Czech Republic, which have already prohibited Holocaust denial.

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Richard Marceau, vice-president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, says combating Holocaust denial is an important tool in the fight against antisemitism.

Saskatoon Tory MP Kevin Waugh earlier this year introduced a private member’s bill prohibiting Holocaust denial that is currently making its way through Parliament.