Background on the Promise

During the 2025 federal election campaign, Liberal Leader Mark Carney pledged to introduce legislation making it a criminal offence to intentionally and willfully obstruct access to places of worship, schools, and community centres. This commitment was part of a broader public safety platform aimed at protecting vulnerable community spaces amid rising concerns about harassment and disruptions, particularly at religious sites. The promise specifically targeted intentional obstruction, intimidation, or threats at these locations to ensure safe access for all Canadians.

Actions Taken by the Government

Following the Liberal victory and Mark Carney's appointment as prime minister, the government moved forward with this pledge. In June 2025, Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced that the Liberal government would press ahead with new criminal provisions to address blocking access to places of worship, schools, and community centres. This announcement aligned directly with the campaign promise, emphasizing the creation of a criminal offence for wilfully intimidating or threatening individuals at these venues, as well as obstructing entry.

The proposed measures were described as establishing "protest bubble zones" around these sites to prevent disruptions, with penalties for violations. This initiative was positioned as a response to incidents of harassment reported during the campaign period, including concerns raised by community groups about safety at religious and educational facilities.

Legislation Proposed or Passed

As of August 29, 2025, the government has publicly committed to introducing the legislation, but it has not yet been tabled in Parliament or passed into law. Reports indicate that the bill is in development, with Fraser stating that the measures would fulfill the election promise by creating specific criminal sanctions. However, no formal bill has been introduced in the House of Commons, and there are no records of it advancing through parliamentary stages such as first reading, committee review, or royal assent.

Critics have expressed skepticism about the necessity and potential overreach of such laws, arguing they might infringe on protest rights, but the government has maintained that the focus is on protecting access without broadly restricting freedoms. If enacted, the legislation would need to clearly define "intentional and willful obstruction" to cover places of worship, schools, and community centres as specified in the promise.

Progress Toward Fulfillment

The promise requires the introduction and passage of legislation to create the new criminal offence. While announcements signal intent, the lack of a tabled bill means the process is in progress. To be considered kept, the government must introduce and pass the bill into law, ensuring it addresses obstruction at all three types of venues: places of worship, schools, and community centres. Failure to introduce the legislation by the end of the parliamentary session or abandoning the plan could lead to it being deemed broken. Additionally, if the bill is introduced but significantly watered down or fails to pass, this could put the promise at risk of being broken.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.