Liberals Announce Expanded Security Funding and Strategy to Combat Rising Hate Crimes

The Liberal government has unveiled additional details of its Action Plan on Combatting Hate, outlining how it plans to address the growing number of hate crimes targeting various communities across Canada. Diversity Minister Kamal Khera announced the plan in Brampton, Ontario, emphasizing the urgent need to counter the rise in hate-related incidents involving Jews, Muslims, LGBTQ+ people, and other minority groups.

The action plan, part of a broader $273.6 million allocation from the 2024 federal budget, includes a $65 million boost to a security fund designed to help community institutions and religious centers enhance their protection. This funding will support the installation of security measures such as cameras and round-the-clock guards. Khera stressed that the rising threat of hate—whether online or in public spaces—demands immediate and coordinated action to prevent further harm.

The initiative also includes measures to help anti-racism organizations combat online hate and provide specialized training for Crown prosecutors to better handle hate crime cases. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs welcomed the security funding, noting the strain on Jewish institutions that have been targeted in recent years.

The government’s strategy aims to promote diversity and inclusion while ensuring that hate crimes do not go unchecked, highlighting the importance of addressing both online and offline threats to minority communities.