NDP MPP urges Ford government to reinstate Anti-Racism Directorate and address spike in Ontario hate crimes

Hate crimes targeting Black, Jewish and Muslim populations especially on the rise

 QUEEN’S PARK — In light of new Statistics Canada data showing a sharp rise in police-reported hate crimes in Canada in 2017 — and with much of that increase occurring in Ontario — the NDP’s critic for Anti-Racism Laura Mae Lindo called on the Ford government to reinstate the Anti-Racism Directorate that the Conservatives cut.

According to the 2017 statistics, police-reported hate crimes in Canada rose by 47 per cent since the year prior, with incidents targeting Black, Muslim and Jewish populations accounting for most of the national increase. In Ontario, there was a 67 per cent increase in hate crimes — well above the rest of the country.

“Now, more than ever, the Anti-Racism Directorate ought to be reinstated,” said Lindo (Kitchener-Centre) during Tuesday’s question period. “Hate crimes against Muslims in Ontario increased an alarming 207 per cent, crimes against Black Ontarians increased by 84 per cent and crimes against the Jewish community in Ontario rose by 41 per cent. This is beyond alarming — it’s disturbing.”

The Ford government angered anti-racism advocates last summer by cutting the sub-committees of the Anti-Racism Directorate, which included community groups that consulted on issues of anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous discrimination, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.

“Real action needs to be taken now to combat anti-Semitism, anti-black racism, and Islamophobia,” Lindo said. “When will the Ford government do the right thing and fully fund the Anti-Racism Directorate so that it can carry out its mandate of ensuring Ontario is an equitable and safe place for all Ontarians?”