Opinion

Q: What is Canada’s Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9)?

Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, proposes expanding penalties for hate-motivated offences and creating a new definition of hate propaganda. It has sparked debate over whether it protects communities or limits free expression.

Q: Does Canada have Castle Law or stand-your-ground rights?

Canada does not have a Castle Law or stand-your-ground statutes. Self-defense is governed by Section 34 of the Criminal Code, which allows reasonable force only when necessary to protect yourself or others.

The Stay Safe Vancouver opinion desk examines how law, safety, and social change shape life in Canada. From policing and justice to free-speech debates and community safety, our contributors bring context and clarity to the issues that define the national conversation.

Featured Opinion

Homeless vs Unhoused Vancouver Debate Misses the Real Problem

A few weeks ago, I was sitting with friends talking about what’s actually working and what isn’t when it comes to Vancouver’s homelessness crisis. We were sharing ideas about shelters, addiction support, and how to vote for real solutions. Then someone interrupted to say, “You can’t say homeless. It’s unhoused.” The energy shifted instantly. The discussion that had been about people and policy turned into a debate about language. What could have been a productive conversation

JK Rowling Vancouver Park Board Apology Sparks Public Backlash

The Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience will open in Stanley Park on November 7 with glowing lanterns, foggy pathways, and costumed guides ready to lead fans through the world they grew up loving. But before the first guest arrives, the attraction became the latest flashpoint in the JK Rowling Vancouver Park Board debate. For a generation raised on Hogwarts, this story is not about politics. It is about losing another piece of uncomplicated joy. JK Rowling Vancouver

Combatting Hate Act Canada: What You Need To Know About Bill C-9

New legislation would criminalize Nazi flags, ISIS symbols in public while protecting religious sites from intimidation The federal government introduced sweeping hate crime legislation this week that could change how Canada prosecutes everything from Nazi flags taped to Vancouver lamp posts to protesters blocking access to mosques and synagogues. Bill C-9 , the Combatting Hate Act, passed first reading in the House of Commons on September 19, 2025, and now awaits committee s

Castle Doctrine Canada: What the Law Really Says About Self-Defense

The term Castle Doctrine often appears in American news. It's the idea that your home is your castle and you have the right to use force, even deadly force, to defend it from intruders. Canada does not have a Castle Doctrine. Here, the Criminal Code sets a different standard. You can protect yourself, your family, and your property, but only if the force you use is considered reasonable for the situation. In practice, that means if someone breaks into your home without a wea

Charlie Kirk Shooting Raises Question: Is Political Violence on the Rise in Canada Too?

Charlie Kirk hands out hats before speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday. Tess Crowley/The Deseret News/AP The news out of the United States has been chilling. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was killed in Utah for his political views. Not long before, former president Donald Trump was shot at a rally and faced another attempt on a golf course. For Canadians watching, it’s easy to scroll past these stories and think, that would never happen here

3 Violent Offenders in BC Freed Under Catch and Release Bail Laws

In BC, violent offenders are being released on bail even when they’re known to police and already facing charges. Vancouver recorded 6,256 violent crimes in 2023, including 4,910 assaults, a rise of 451 incidents compared to 2019. According to police data, assaults on officers increased by 28% between the first quarters of 2024 and 2025. Still, nearly 80% of violent offenders in BC are released after arrest, even when Crown prosecutors argue against it. Our legal system pla

Opinion: All Your Questions Answered

Q: What are the biggest social and political debates in Canada right now?

A: Current debates include public safety policy, homelessness and housing, freedom of speech, and the balance between crime prevention and individual rights. These topics often shape national headlines and opinion pieces across the country. Read more.

Q: What is Canada’s Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9)?

A: Bill C-9, known as the Combatting Hate Act, proposes expanding penalties for hate-motivated offences and creating a new definition of hate propaganda. It’s sparked debate over whether it strengthens protection or limits free expression. Read more.

Q: Does Canada have Castle Law or stand-your-ground rights?

A: Canada does not have traditional Castle Law or stand-your-ground statutes. Self-defense is governed by Section 34 of the Criminal Code, which allows force only when it’s reasonable to protect yourself or others. Read more.

All Opinion

Homeless vs Unhoused Vancouver Debate Misses the Real Problem

A few weeks ago, I was sitting with friends talking about what’s actually working and what isn’t when it comes to Vancouver’s homelessness crisis. We were sharing ideas about shelters, addiction support, and how to vote for real solutions. Then someone interrupted to say, “You can’t say homeless. It’s unhoused.” The energy shifted instantly. The discussion that had been about people and policy turned into a debate about language. What could have been a productive conversation

JK Rowling Vancouver Park Board Apology Sparks Public Backlash

The Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience will open in Stanley Park on November 7 with glowing lanterns, foggy pathways, and costumed guides ready to lead fans through the world they grew up loving. But before the first guest arrives, the attraction became the latest flashpoint in the JK Rowling Vancouver Park Board debate. For a generation raised on Hogwarts, this story is not about politics. It is about losing another piece of uncomplicated joy. JK Rowling Vancouver

Combatting Hate Act Canada: What You Need To Know About Bill C-9

New legislation would criminalize Nazi flags, ISIS symbols in public while protecting religious sites from intimidation The federal government introduced sweeping hate crime legislation this week that could change how Canada prosecutes everything from Nazi flags taped to Vancouver lamp posts to protesters blocking access to mosques and synagogues. Bill C-9 , the Combatting Hate Act, passed first reading in the House of Commons on September 19, 2025, and now awaits committee s

Castle Doctrine Canada: What the Law Really Says About Self-Defense

The term Castle Doctrine often appears in American news. It's the idea that your home is your castle and you have the right to use force, even deadly force, to defend it from intruders. Canada does not have a Castle Doctrine. Here, the Criminal Code sets a different standard. You can protect yourself, your family, and your property, but only if the force you use is considered reasonable for the situation. In practice, that means if someone breaks into your home without a wea

Charlie Kirk Shooting Raises Question: Is Political Violence on the Rise in Canada Too?

Charlie Kirk hands out hats before speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday. Tess Crowley/The Deseret News/AP The news out of the United States has been chilling. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was killed in Utah for his political views. Not long before, former president Donald Trump was shot at a rally and faced another attempt on a golf course. For Canadians watching, it’s easy to scroll past these stories and think, that would never happen here

3 Violent Offenders in BC Freed Under Catch and Release Bail Laws

In BC, violent offenders are being released on bail even when they’re known to police and already facing charges. Vancouver recorded 6,256 violent crimes in 2023, including 4,910 assaults, a rise of 451 incidents compared to 2019. According to police data, assaults on officers increased by 28% between the first quarters of 2024 and 2025. Still, nearly 80% of violent offenders in BC are released after arrest, even when Crown prosecutors argue against it. Our legal system pla

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Opinion

Featured Opinion

Homeless vs Unhoused Vancouver Debate Misses the Real Problem

JK Rowling Vancouver Park Board Apology Sparks Public Backlash

Combatting Hate Act Canada: What You Need To Know About Bill C-9

Castle Doctrine Canada: What the Law Really Says About Self-Defense

Charlie Kirk Shooting Raises Question: Is Political Violence on the Rise in Canada Too?

3 Violent Offenders in BC Freed Under Catch and Release Bail Laws

Opinion: All Your Questions Answered

Q: What are the biggest social and political debates in Canada right now?

Q: What is Canada’s Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9)?

Q: Does Canada have Castle Law or stand-your-ground rights?

All Opinion

Homeless vs Unhoused Vancouver Debate Misses the Real Problem

JK Rowling Vancouver Park Board Apology Sparks Public Backlash

Combatting Hate Act Canada: What You Need To Know About Bill C-9

Castle Doctrine Canada: What the Law Really Says About Self-Defense

Charlie Kirk Shooting Raises Question: Is Political Violence on the Rise in Canada Too?

3 Violent Offenders in BC Freed Under Catch and Release Bail Laws

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