Ontario has seen the number of reported hate crime incidents skyrocket over a 12-month period, according to figures recently released by Statistics Canada.
The new report, released on March 25, shows that there were 2,426 police-reported hate crime incidents in Ontario in 2023, an increase of 476 (24%) from the year before.
Ontario accounted for over 40% of all hate crimes reported across Canada last year, out of a national total of 4,777 incidents. This figure is more than three times higher than that of Quebec, which had the second-highest number of hate crimes at 739.
In addition to having the highest overall number of reported hate crimes, Ontario also experienced the most significant year-over-year increase in incidents. Quebec saw an increase of 320 cases, while B.C. followed with 124 — both significantly lower than Ontario’s reported growth.
Across Canada, the number of police-reported hate crimes increased by 32% in 2023, reaching a total of 4,777 incidents. This marks an increase of 1,165 cases from the previous year.
Every Canadian province, as well as Nunavut, saw an increase in police-reported incidents in 2023. The Northwest Territories and Yukon were the only places to see an overall decrease.
Since 2019, when 1,951 hate crimes were reported, the national total has more than doubled. Over a 10-year period, the number of reported hate crimes rose by 309%, up from 1,167 in 2013.
In 2023, police-reported hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation increased by 69% compared to the previous year.
Hate crimes motivated by religion also saw a significant rise of 67%, with incidents targeting Jewish communities increasing by 71% and those against Muslim communities rising by 94%.
Reported hate crimes related to race and ethnicity rose by a more modest 6% overall, though some communities were disproportionately affected. Arab and West Asian communities, for example, experienced a 52% increase in incidents targeting them specifically.
The majority of police-reported hate crimes in 2023 were non-violent, accounting for 55% of all incidents, while violent hate crimes made up the remaining 45%.
Non-violent incidents saw a 36% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, violent hate crimes, such as common-level assault or uttering threats, rose by 28%.
Hate crime counts include both confirmed and suspected incidents.
It’s also important to note that these figures reflect incidents reported to police, which can be influenced by a range of factors, including changes in public awareness and willingness to report.
Statistics Canada’s information reflects data reported by police services covering over 99% of Canada’s population.
If you or someone you know is struggling with harassment or discrimination related to gender identity or sexual orientation, please reach out to a trusted peer, parent or health care professional or refer to these resources available across Canada. If you need immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital. Support is available.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of racism, or if you are interested in learning more about how you can fight racism in your community, refer to these supports and resources across Canada.
