Ontario Fighting Back Against Rise in Hate Crime

Province investing in community-based solutions to help keep people safe

OTTAWA — The Ontario government is investing more than $1.7 million to help stop hate-motivated crimes across the province. The funding will be delivered over two years through the Safer and Vital Communities (SVC) Grant program as part of the province’s plan to promote safe and inclusive communities.

“Acts that incite hatred, fear and intimidation have no place in our communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “That is why our government is making additional investments to help combat the rise in hate crime and support community-based organizations that are working to address the root causes of hate in all its forms.”

The SVC Grant is open to community-based, not-for-profit organizations and First Nation Band Councils. The theme of this year’s grant is Preventing Hate-Motivated Crime Through Community Collaboration with a focus on cultural, ethnic and faith-based hate in communities that have experienced an increase in hate-motivated crime. Applicants are required to partner with their local police service and are encouraged to partner with at least one other organization from a different sector to ensure a broad range of community engagement.

“The Ottawa Police Service is pleased to join the Ontario government in announcing the call for applications for the Safer and Vital Communities Grant,” said Ottawa Police Service Chief Eric Stubbs. “The theme for this year’s grant is especially timely as we are seeing an increase in hate crime and hate-motivated incidents in Ottawa. We encourage anyone who has experienced a hate crime or hate-motivated incident to report it to their local authorities. Hate has no place in our communities, and I believe this grant will help combat hate crimes and hate-motivated incidents.”

The 2024-26 SVC Grant builds on the Ontario government’s $20.5 million investment through the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia.

“There is zero tolerance for hate, racism and discrimination in Ontario,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Our government continues to be focused on taking action to address the disturbing rise in hate incidents and build a stronger Ontario where everyone feels safe and protected. The Safer and Vital Communities Grant will help empower communities to work together to combat hate, keep communities safe and foster a more inclusive and welcoming province for all.”

Successful applicants for the SVC Grant will receive up to $85,000 for each of the two years to combat hate crime. Applications for the SVC Grant will be available in late January through Transfer Payment Ontario. The deadline for applications is February 26, 2024.