Hate has no home in York Region

A hate crime is a criminal offence* (or act) committed against a person or property motivated by hate, bias or prejudice against an identifiable group. An identifiable group may be defined by race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.  

Almost any type of criminal offence can be motivated by hate. The damaging of property, acts of violence, or hostility such as hitting or spitting on someone can be examples of hate crime offences.  

*Canada’s Criminal Code also requires a court to take into consideration whether the offence was motivated by hate, bias or prejudice based on any of the identifiable groups or any other similar factor for any offence. 

A hate incident is a non-criminal act or behaviour motivated by hate against an identifiable group. Racial slurs and/or insults because of one’s ethnic background or how they dress are some examples of hate incidents.  

Hate incidents are generally handled differently than hate crimes. In instances where the hate is non-criminal in nature, federal and provincial human rights codes may provide relief from behaviours such as workplace harassment. 

These incidents can be just as harmful as hate crimes and lead to emotional and psychological stress. Reporting incidents is just as important because it allows for intervention, de-escalation, support, the sharing of resources and the opportunity to provide education.  

Both hate crimes and hate incidents have harmful effects on the individuals and communities they are directed at. Hate crimes cause an undue ripple effect of harm that not only reaches beyond the individual but also their community. Whether directed at an individual or group, the long-standing effects of hate can leave entire communities feeling isolated and vulnerable. 

Effective responses against hate crimes include protection (by the law), prevention (through education) and partnerships (community coalition building).

Reporting is a key steps to ending the cycle of hate. No matter how small or minor you think the incident might be, it is important to the whole community that it is acknowledged and reported.

If you have been impacted by hate or if you witness a hate crime or hate incident, consider following these steps:

• Get Help
  • Stay calm
  • Get medical help if necessary
  • If you feel comfortable and from a safe location, call the police and/or local community organizations you trust for help
• Report
  • Document as much relevant information as you can about the incident
  • Get pictures/video and contact information of witnesses
  • Keep all relevant evidence
• Support
  • Support those impacted
  • Connect with local community members and organizations you trust to get advice and support 
• Ask
  • Inquire about the support that organizations, such as your place of work or school, may have for reporting and addressing incidents of hate.

In an emergency – including where there is an immediate threat to life or property – please call 9-1-1.

In non-emergency situations, to report a hate incident, call 1-866-876-5423, or contact a member of York Regional Police’s Hate Crime Unit at @email; or anonymously report to the Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS.

By reaching out to the police, the incident can be addressed immediately those impacted can be connected to the services and supports they need.

Your report will be taken seriously and may help prevent these incidents from happening to somebody else in your community. It will also help the police understand the extent of hate crime in your local area so they can better respond to it.

How can York Regional Police’s Hate Crime Prevention Unit help?

York Regional Police’s Hate Crime Prevention Unit is a dedicated team of specially trained officers who assist in investigations where hate may have played a role. The unit also works in partnership with our diverse communities to develop strategies to prevent hate in York Region through prevention, education and enforcement.

Learn more about York Regional Police’s Hate Crimes Unit.

Government Agencies

Human rights commissions

• Federal: Canada Human Rights Commission
• Provincial: Ontario Human Rights Commission

Human rights tribunals

• Federal: Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
• Provincial: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

Advocacy

• Human Rights Legal Support Centre
• Canadian Civil Liberties Association

Nonprofit Organizations

Community organizations

• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Equitas (formerly Canadian Human Rights Foundation)

Information

• Canadian Race Relations Foundation
• Amnesty International Canada
• Mental Health Commission of Canada

Social media and cyber safety

• Facebook’s Community Standards
• Instagram’s Community Guidelines
• X Rules (formerly Twitter)
• LinkedIn Community Guidelines/Professional Community Policies

This campaign is one of many actions resulting from the Inclusion Charter for York Region. The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative and commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who live, work and play in York Region. 

The Inclusion Charter was developed by the Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Group (MDIG), which comprises 20 member organizations, including all nine local municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities, and agencies. 

Learn more about the Inclusion Charter for York Region.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]