Tory MP claims Liberals "stole" his Holocaust denial bill—and watered it down

As Parliament resumed Monday after a two-week break, politicians jumped straight into debating the recently revealed annual budget. Tucked inside the Liberals' hefty document, on page 275, is a proposal that would ban Holocaust denial. This might normally be welcome news across the aisle, except that the Conservatives already presented a nearly identical bill back in February.

Kevin Waugh, the MP for Saskatoon–Grasswood, is now furious at the federal government, claiming they stole his idea in drafting their own legislation—except they made it weaker. Now, as Yom ha-Shoah approaches Thursday, the House of Commons finds itself in the unusual position of having to debate duelling bills targeting Holocaust denial.

Waugh joins to lay out his argument—and afterwards, we'll hear from Liberal MP Ya’ara Saks, who defends her party's decision because she believes it will be approved faster.

What we talked about:

• Listen: "Canada might ban Holocaust denial. Here’s why that probably won’t curtail antisemitism"
• Read: "A bill that would make Holocaust denial a crime was introduced in Parliament by Conservative MP Kevin Waugh"
• Read Waugh's bill online
• Read: "According to B’nai Brith’s audit, antisemitic incidents increased in Canada for the sixth straight year"

Credits

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