OTTAWA,
ON, July 25, 2024 /CNW/ - With hate crimes
consistently on the rise, the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson
for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) is announcing the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Office of the Special
Representative on Combatting Islamophobia and with Canada's Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust
Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism.
Today, Statistics Canada reported that the number of hate crimes
recorded by police in our country increased again by 32% in 2023.
This marks a fifth consecutive increase and a cumulative rise of
163%, or more than doubling since 20181.
The signing of these MOUs is not just timely, but crucial. They
underscore the federal government's commitment to combatting hate
and represent a significant step forward in supporting the needs of
victims of crime, particularly those affected by antisemitism and
islamophobia across Canada.
Under these MOUs, each organization commits to working with the
OFOVC, making referrals and sharing information and best practices,
to support those negatively impacted by criminal justice policies,
services, or programs under federal jurisdiction. The aim is also
to improve access for victims of crime in Jewish and Muslim
communities to existing federal programs and services.
Amira Elghawaby, Canada's
Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, highlighted the
importance of the collaboration: "Islamophobia is a pervasive issue
that affects many communities in Canada. Through this partnership, we aim to
enhance our ability to support victims of hate crimes and
discrimination so that they know they are not alone. Together, we
can create a more inclusive and just society for all."
"For far too long, Jews have been disproportionally targeted as
victims of hate in this country. I welcome this commitment to
fostering a collaborative approach to addressing hate crime and
discrimination; there is no room for hate against Jews, Muslims or
any community in Canada. Let's
work together to uphold the dignity of each person in our midst,
bolstered by our shared values of compassion, understanding, and
tolerance," said Deborah Lyons,
Canada's Special Envoy on
Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism.
Dr. Benjamin Roebuck, Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of
Crime, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: "These
collaborative agreements are a great step in strengthening our
efforts to support victims of crime, particularly those affected by
antisemitism and islamophobia. By collaborating with the Office of
the Special Envoy and Special Representative, we can better address
the unique challenges faced by hate crime survivors and help ensure
they receive the support they need."
The OFOVC is planning an information exchange session in the
fall with both offices, and all are dedicated to working closely to
ensure that all victims receive the support they need and to
promote a society free from hate and intolerance. Addressing hate
crimes requires a more proactive and responsive approach, one where
decision-makers listen to the concerns and experiences of affected
Canadians.
The OFOVC is conducting a special study on hate crimes and
online hate. Consultations with stakeholders, policing units and
victim services across Canada have
recently come to a close. The final report is scheduled for release
in fall 2024. It will outline what we heard and the challenges that
victims of hate face when they ask for help or access services.
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1 Statistics Canada.
Table 35-10-0191-01 Police-reported hate crime, number
of incidents and rate per 100,000 population, Provinces,
Territories, Census Metropolitan Areas and Canadian Forces Military
Police
SOURCE Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of
Crime