Canada Unveils First-Ever National Action Plan to Combat Hate

Ottawa, Canada – Canada is taking a bold step in its fight against hate with the launch of its first-ever comprehensive cross-government Action Plan on Combatting Hate. In recent years, the country has witnessed a troubling rise in hate incidents, both online and in the streets, particularly targeting Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized communities, religious minorities, women, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. Recognizing the broader threat that hate poses to social cohesion and national security, the Canadian government has committed to addressing this growing issue with an aggressive and multifaceted approach.

The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, today unveiled the Action Plan, which aims to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of all Canadians while fostering resilient and inclusive communities. “We are committed to ensuring that everyone living in Canada, regardless of who they are, who they love, or what they believe in, can thrive in a society free from hate,” Minister Khera said during the announcement.

The Government of Canada is committed to fostering a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive while being their authentic self. Today, we announce Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate.

Learn more: https://t.co/zXfVMUVcgL#CanadaForAll pic.twitter.com/rW64OwXMM5

— Canadian Heritage (@CdnHeritage) September 24, 2024

The Action Plan is built on three key pillars:

Empowering Communities to Identify and Prevent Hate
Supporting Victims, Survivors, and Protecting Communities
Building Trust, Partnerships, and Institutional Readiness

With a substantial investment of $273.6 million over six years, and $29.3 million in ongoing funding, the plan tackles hatred from multiple angles. This includes increasing support to victims and survivors of hate, enhancing community-led efforts to prevent and address hate incidents, expanding research and data collection, improving resources for law enforcement, and raising public awareness on the issue.

Hate not only causes harm to the individuals and groups directly targeted but also disrupts the social fabric of the nation. It threatens to erode the values of tolerance and respect that are essential to Canada’s identity as a diverse and inclusive country.

Minister Khera emphasized the importance of working in collaboration with various partners to ensure the Action Plan’s success. “We will work closely with provincial and territorial governments, as well as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners, to create a safer and more inclusive Canada,” she noted.

In addition to the federal government’s initiatives, the Action Plan also includes collaborations with cities, local communities, and international governments, further solidifying Canada’s commitment to building a society where every individual is free from fear, regardless of their background.

As Canada looks ahead, this groundbreaking Action Plan offers hope that, through sustained effort and unity, the nation can effectively combat the rising tide of hate and ensure a safer, more inclusive future for all.

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