On September 24, 2024, the Government of Canada announced its first-ever comprehensive Action Plan to Combat Hate, a cross-government effort to tackle the alarming rise in hate both online and in communities. The plan was introduced by the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, and is a response to the increasing incidents of hate-motivated crimes, which disproportionately impact Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized communities, religious minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, women, and persons with disabilities.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe, regardless of who they are, what they look like or what they believe in. We have all been alarmed to witness the tragic consequences of hate, both at home and abroad. […] As we face difficult and challenging times, we must stand up for who we are as a country – a country where diversity is our strength and where everyone can be who they are and achieve their dreams without fear.” 

— The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities

The Action Plan centers on three pillars:

1. Empower Communities: This pillar aims to equip communities with the tools and knowledge to identify and prevent hate incidents. Initiatives include the Changing Narratives Fund to promote diverse voices in media, and the Canada Community Security Program to improve safety in at-risk community spaces.
2. Support Victims and Protect Communities: Funding and resources will be allocated to support victims through programs like the Federal Victims Strategy and specialized police training. Enhanced data collection on hate crimes is also a key component, enabling evidence-based policymaking.
3. Build Trust and Partnerships: The plan emphasizes collaboration between communities and law enforcement. A Hate Crimes Task Force and new advisory councils will promote trust and transparency in hate crime prevention and response.

The federal government’s actions align with its broader anti-racism and inclusion initiatives, such as the Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028. The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, highlighted the government’s commitment to protecting communities at risk, emphasizing that “no one should live in fear of being who they are.” The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, reinforced this sentiment by stating, “Online harms can have real-world impacts with tragic and sometimes fatal consequences.”

“Hate, in all its forms, has no place in Canada – everyone has a right to feel and be safe in their homes and in their communities. We all have a role to play in fighting discrimination and fostering a fairer, safer and more inclusive Canada.”

— The Honourable Pascale St‑Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage

Key Recommendations to Combat Hate Include:

• Increase funding to grassroot organizations for capacity building;
• Enhance research into the root causes of hate and better collection of disaggregated data;
• Fund awareness, public education, and media campaigns that showcase positive and authentic narratives of affected communities;
• Increase media training and capacity to promote diverse community-driven narratives;
• Support community healing initiatives and supports for victims and survivors;
• Invest in police hate crime units, police training that improves police competence and sensitivity, and victims’ and survivors’ support;
• Develop legislation to address online hate;
• Find solutions to address gaps in the legal system through legislation, training and resources to tackle hate;
• Expand investments and the scope of community safety initiatives, including those that focus on security infrastructure, to reduce barriers to participation and to be more responsive to communities’ evolving security needs;
• Support rural, remote, and northern communities;
• Enhance federal, provincial, territorial and municipal cooperation to tackle hate;
• Work with global partners and allies to increase international cooperation against hate groups and movements, including domestic and transnational White supremacist networks.

Prevention is key to tackling hate in our communities to keep them safe and thriving.

Canada’s Action Plan on Combating Hate marks a significant step towards creating a safer, more inclusive society. By focusing on empowering communities, supporting victims, and fostering trust, the government aims to tackle the rise in hate incidents both online and offline. By addressing hate comprehensively, the government aims to create a safer and more inclusive Canada, where everyone can thrive and be their authentic selves without fear.

Sources

Canadian Heritage (2024, September). Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/pch/documents/campaigns/combatting-hate/CAPCH-EN.pdf

Canadian Heritage (2024, September). Backgrounder: Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. 

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/09/backgrounder-canadas-action-plan-on-combatting-hate.html

Government of Canada (2024, September). The Government of Canada launches Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate. 

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/09/the-government-of-canada-launches-canadas-action-plan-on-combatting-hate.html