Hate Crimes and Hate-Motivated Incidents
• For questions about online reporting, refer to the information on our main Online Reporting page.
Hate crimes and hate-motivated incidents impact individuals and families across our community. Reporting allows police to investigate these incidents, support victims, and foster a safer, more inclusive community.
Hate Crimes and Hate-Motivated Incidents
A hate crime is a criminal violation motivated by hate based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other similar factor.
The definition of these crimes is narrow, and very few incidents meet this legal standard.
- Example: A person commits criminal mischief by spray painting a swastika and hateful messages on the side of a building.
A hate-motivated incident may be motivated by the same factors as a hate crime, but does not reach the threshold of a criminal offence. These incidents may include name-calling, racial insults, or the distribution of material containing hateful language.
In these situations, police will investigate to determine if an offence has occurred and provide support to victims.
- Example: A person yells a slur at someone and tells them "go back to your country."
What Happens After I File My Report?
When we receive a report of a hate incident, our specialized team immediately starts an investigation. We work with victims to support healing, explain the investigative process, and find ways to prevent further harm.
Support services are available through our Victim Assistance Unit.