Furthermore, the word “Swastika” does not originate from Latin or its derivatives (German/Deutsch or other European languages). Hitler and the Nazis never referred to their symbol as “Swastika” or “Nazi Swastika”; they used the term “Hakenkreuz”, “Nazi Hakenkreuz” or “hooked cross,” which is well documented in historical records. Associating the Swastika with Nazi symbols or word “Nazi” or antisemitism spreads misinformation and places the over a 1.5 million Hindu Canadians at greater risk, not only in Canada but globally, while confusing the broader public about the nature of hate symbols.

​

We urge the committee and chair, Canada being a global leader and a nation that upholds values of inclusion and truth, to remove the word “Swastika” and any reference to it from Bill C-9. This would be a vital first step in amplifying the spirit of the bill and using the correct term for the hate symbol: “Hakenkreuz.”

​

We understand that Bill C-9 bans the Nazi Hakenkreuz. However, it also uses the phrase “also known as Nazi Swastika,” which is incorrect and unacceptable to Hindu, Jain & Other communities. This concern is shared by nearly all major Jewish organizations, including B’nai Brith Canada, CIJA, ALCCA, and others.

​

Prominent Jewish organizations such as Bnai Brith Canada, CIJA, Alliance of Canadians Combating Antisemitism and others have already corrected this terminology in their campaigns and educational materials. They have removed the word “Swastika” and it’s association with word “NAZI’ and rightly referred to the hate symbol as Hakenkreuz. We commend their allyship in rectifying a historical mistake and urge Honorable committee and Parliament to follow suit.

​

Numerous examples from Canada and abroad support this correction, examples include:

• October 19, 2025 – CIJA calls on the government to protect the use of the word “Swastika.”

• September 19, 2025 – B’nai Brith Canada omits “Swastika” from its release, using “Hakenkreuz” instead.

• May 2025 – Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe requests removal of “Swastika” from hate references.

• March 2025 – B’nai Brith Canada revises its campaign after community outreach.

• March 2025 – Durham Region amends its motion to remove “Swastika” from hate context.

• Peel and Montreal Police update hate crime reporting tools to remove “Swastika.”

• Victoria State, Australia bans antisemitic symbols, excluding “Swastika” from hate references.

• Oregon Department of Education circulates materials distinguishing Swastika from Hakenkreuz.

• Former MP Chandra Arya speaks in Parliament against misuse of “Swastika.”

• Former MP Peter Julian removed “Swastika” from Bill C-229 after community engagement.

• Toronto Star and other media outlets revise terminology to use “Hakenkreuz” instead of “Swastika.”
   

We recommend the following amendments to Bill C-9:

1. Remove all references to “Swastika” or it’s association with Word “Nazi” and replace them with the accurate term “Hakenkreuz” or “Nazi Hakenkreuz.”

2. Educate communities, law enforcement, and media on the correct terminology.

3. Strengthen Protections for Sacred Use of the Swastika. We urge the committee to include clear and explicit exemptions for the religious and cultural use of the Swastika. The current language in subsection 2.2 of 3.2(a) is too broad to prevent misinterpretation. As seen in Victoria State, Australia, specific protections are essential to avoid harmful conflation with Nazi symbols and to uphold Canada’s commitment to religious freedom and cultural dignity.

4. Ensure future committee communications and press releases explicitly mention Hinduphobia, alongside antisemitism, Islamophobia, and homophobia.

 

We want to reiterate, the use of word Swastika in conjunction with Nazi hate work could ignite further hatred against 1.5 million Hindus in Canada, undermining the very purpose of Bill C-9. Finally, it is important to reflect on the very spirit with which Bill C-9 was introduced to combat “hate propaganda” and protect vulnerable communities. However, by including the word “Swastika” in conjunction with the term “Nazi,” the bill contradicts its own intent. Instead of countering hate, this mislabeling risks perpetuating misinformation and inadvertently targets communities for whom the Swastika is a sacred and ancient symbol of peace and well-being.

If the reference to “Swastika” is not removed completely, the bill risks losing its moral clarity and undermining its purpose. Let us uphold the true spirit of Bill C-9 by removing the word “Swastika” and replacing it with the historically accurate term “Hakenkreuz.” We urge the committee to adopt the recommendations of the Hindu Canadian Foundation. Let us ensure that Canada’s leadership is reflected in our legislation.

 

Our testimony is supported by over 100 organizations across Canada, including Hindu, Jain, Jewish, cultural, and social groups, all united in the call for truth, clarity, and respect

​

 

​​100+ Organizations Endorsing the Hindu Canadian Foundation Submission:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​