Living in Nazi-Occupied Canada in 2024: The Consequences of Harper’s Section 13 Repeal
It’s 2024, and it feels like we’re living in a Nazi-occupied version of Canada. That might sound extreme, but it’s the disturbing reality that so many of us face today. The Canada we once knew—proud, diverse, and committed to human rights—is under siege, not from outside forces, but from within. The rise of neo-Nazis, far-right extremists, and hate groups has turned the digital space into a breeding ground for dangerous ideologies. And we can trace the roots of this problem back to one pivotal moment: the repeal of Section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act in 2013, under Stephen Harper’s Conservative government.
What Was Section 13?
Before we dive deeper into the current situation, it’s important to understand what Section 13 was. Enacted as part of the Canadian Human Rights Act, Section 13 specifically targeted hate speech, especially when it was communicated through telecommunications and online platforms. This section allowed citizens to file complaints with the Canadian Human Rights Commission when individuals or groups promoted hate against identifiable groups based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
The goal of Section 13 was simple: to protect vulnerable groups from online harassment, threats, and hate speech, and to prevent the spread of dangerous ideologies before they could gain traction. It was a proactive approach that allowed the state to intervene before hate speech could evolve into violence or widespread extremism. In a time when the internet was just beginning to dominate our lives, Section 13 acted as a safety net, protecting the public from the damaging effects of unchecked hate speech.
Harper’s Repeal of Section 13
However, in 2013, that safety net was dismantled. Stephen Harper, as Prime Minister, led the charge to repeal Section 13 under the guise of protecting “free speech.” His government argued that Section 13 was being used to stifle legitimate discourse and that it infringed upon Canadians’ right to express their opinions. They positioned it as a censorship tool, ignoring the fact that its very existence helped curb the spread of extremism.
Harper’s government pushed the narrative that freedom of speech should be nearly absolute, and that by allowing citizens to air their views without restriction, society would be better off. What they failed to consider—or willfully ignored—was that hate speech doesn’t operate like other forms of speech. It is corrosive. It fuels violence, discrimination, and social unrest. Without Section 13, the boundaries of acceptable discourse in Canada shifted, allowing extremists, particularly neo-Nazis, to flourish online.
The Consequences: Canada’s Legal Vacuum
In the years following the repeal, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in online hate speech. Extremist ideologies, including neo-Nazism, white supremacy, and far-right radicalization, have found a home in Canada’s digital landscape. The removal of Section 13 created a legal vacuum, leaving law enforcement and human rights organizations without the tools to adequately respond to the rapid spread of online hate.
Neo-Nazis and other extremists have been able to organize, recruit, and incite violence with little fear of repercussion. Without Section 13, there is no clear mechanism to hold individuals accountable for online hate speech unless it crosses into criminal territory, such as making direct threats of violence. Even then, the threshold for criminal action is often high, and law enforcement is slow to act.
As a result, Canada has become a breeding ground for fascism. The internet has allowed hate groups to gain strength, recruit disaffected individuals, and spread their dangerous ideologies with impunity. Platforms like social media, private forums, and encrypted messaging apps have become havens for extremists to share their views, plan activities, and radicalize others. What was once done in secret is now done openly, and the ripple effects are being felt throughout the country.
The Rise of Neo-Nazism in Canada
In recent years, neo-Nazi groups have grown bolder. They’re not just spreading hate speech online—they’re organizing rallies, participating in violent acts, and threatening public officials. Andrew “Christo” Nelson, a neo-Nazi who has made open calls for war, genocide, and the extermination of the LGBTQ+ community, liberals, and antifascists, is just one example of how emboldened these extremists have become.
Nelson’s threats aren’t isolated incidents. He has threatened prominent figures, including Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden, showing a clear disdain for democratic institutions and a desire to overthrow the government. And despite these threats, Canadian authorities have largely remained silent. The RCMP, the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC), and even the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) have failed to take meaningful action, allowing Nelson and others like him to continue their hate-filled activities unchecked.
This inaction has given extremists a sense of invincibility. Without clear consequences for their actions, they feel free to spread their hate and recruit others. The repeal of Section 13 has created an environment where hate speech can thrive, and extremists are exploiting this legal loophole to build networks, plan attacks, and incite violence.
Canada’s failure to address this growing threat is not just a matter of ignoring online hate speech—it’s a matter of national security. The longer we allow these groups to operate freely, the more they will grow, and the greater the threat they will pose to our society.
Part 2: The Call to Action
In the next part of this blog post, we will explore the legal pathways Canada still has to address this growing threat, the role of international organizations in helping hold Canada accountable, and what we can do as citizens to demand action. It’s not too late to fight back against the rise of fascism in Canada, but the time to act is now.
In Part 2, we’ll discuss the remaining legal avenues, potential reforms, and ways to protect vulnerable communities from the unchecked spread of hate.
Part 2 - The Call to Action – Reclaiming Canada from Neo-Nazi Extremism
In Part 1, we discussed how the repeal of Section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act has led to a dramatic rise in online hate speech and the organization of neo-Nazi groups in Canada. This void in legal protection has allowed extremists to exploit digital platforms to spread hate, recruit followers, and incite violence. But the fight isn’t over. Canada still has legal tools, both nationally and internationally, that can be used to curb this growing threat. It’s time to push for action before the situation spirals further out of control.
1. Existing Laws That Can Still Combat Hate
Even though Section 13 is gone, Canada is not without laws that can be used to fight back against neo-Nazi activity and extremism. The Criminal Code of Canada contains several provisions that address hate speech, threats, and violence. These laws, while not as proactive as Section 13, offer a path to legal recourse when hate crosses into the criminal sphere.
A. Hate Propaganda and Terrorism (Sections 318-319 of the Criminal Code)
Canada’s Criminal Code explicitly prohibits the promotion of genocide, public incitement of hatred, and the willful promotion of hatred against identifiable groups. Section 318 makes it a criminal offense to advocate genocide—something Andrew “Christo” Nelson and others like him have done. Section 319 makes it illegal to incite hatred against any identifiable group in a way that is likely to lead to a breach of the peace.
Additionally, Canada has anti-terrorism laws (Sections 83.01-83.33), which can be used when extremist groups plot or carry out acts of violence or incitement to violence with a political or ideological motivation. The calls for war and genocide made by these groups could potentially fall under this definition.
Despite these provisions, the issue remains that law enforcement and human rights bodies like the RCMP and CHRC are not taking swift action. This is where public pressure and community mobilization become essential.
B. Mental Health Laws
As disturbing as Nelson’s threats are, his admission to wanting to kill his own mother raises questions about his mental health. Under the Mental Health Act, authorities can detain and assess individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. While this path requires evidence that Nelson is an imminent threat, it may be a critical tool to get him off the streets and into a situation where he can no longer harm others.
2. International Action and Accountability
When national laws fail to protect citizens, international organizations can often be leveraged to apply pressure. Canada is part of several international bodies that promote human rights, and those entities can be valuable in pushing the government to act.
A. Interpol and Intelligence Communities
Given Nelson’s threats against high-profile political figures like Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden, this situation transcends national borders. Interpol, the CIA, and MI6 have been made aware of the threats posed by Nelson and others like him. These bodies have a vested interest in preventing extremist violence, and their involvement may pressure Canada into action.
B. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
Canada is also a signatory to international human rights agreements that obligate it to protect its citizens from hate and violence. The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) can be called upon to review the Canadian government’s inaction and to hold it accountable under international law. Submitting a formal complaint to the OHCHR about Canada’s failure to protect its citizens from neo-Nazi threats is a step toward forcing a conversation on the global stage.
3. Community Mobilization and Public Pressure
If history has taught us anything, it’s that change rarely happens without pressure. We, as citizens, must unite to demand action from our elected officials and law enforcement agencies. Here are some ways we can mobilize our communities to confront the rise of fascism:
A. Petition for the Reinstatement of Section 13
One of the clearest paths forward is to demand that the government reinstate Section 13, or implement new legislation that specifically targets online hate speech. Canadians have the power to start petitions, organize rallies, and push for legislative reform. With enough public outcry, the government will have no choice but to address this legal vacuum and reintroduce protections against hate speech.
B. Public Demonstrations and Rallies
Raising awareness through peaceful demonstrations can also apply pressure on law enforcement and political leaders. Antifa-aligned groups, LGBTQ+ rights advocates, and other progressive organizations have long fought against hate and fascism. By organizing public rallies, we can show solidarity and remind the government that it is accountable to its citizens, not to the extremists who threaten us.
C. Social Media Campaigns
Social media has proven to be a double-edged sword. While it’s a tool for extremists, it can also be used as a platform to fight back. Through organized campaigns, we can raise awareness, share information, and apply direct pressure to policymakers. By calling out the RCMP, CHRC, and other institutions on social platforms, we can amplify the message that inaction is unacceptable.
4. Personal Defense and Self-Reliance
When the state fails to protect us, it becomes even more critical for individuals and communities to take measures to defend themselves. This doesn’t mean resorting to violence but instead finding ways to protect ourselves from imminent threats:
- Document and Report: Keep detailed records of all threats, hate speech, and harassment. This evidence can be invaluable in court or when filing complaints.
- Legal Action: If the government won’t act, there may be civil legal avenues to hold extremists accountable. Consult with lawyers who specialize in human rights or civil liberties.
- Community Defense: Organize with trusted friends and allies to ensure the safety of your community. Whether through mutual aid networks, self-defense workshops, or local watch groups, we need to rely on each other in times of crisis.
Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now
We cannot afford to wait any longer. Canada is under threat, and every day that passes without action is a day that allows neo-Nazis and other extremists to grow stronger. Stephen Harper’s decision to repeal Section 13 was a grievous mistake, one that has left our country vulnerable to hate and violence. But we are not powerless.
We must demand action from our leaders, push for the reinstatement of Section 13, and hold those who spread hate accountable. This fight is far from over, but we are stronger together. Through collective action, legal reform, and community defense, we can reclaim Canada from the grip of fascism and build a future where hate has no place.
Together, we have the power to fight back. The time to act is now. Let’s make sure that our voices are heard, and let’s ensure that hate cannot grow unchecked in our communities. Lest we forget.
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