#EndHate Campaign in York Region

The Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Group (MDIG) in York Region is advancing collective actions to help increase a sense of belonging and decrease incidents of hate.

Statistics Canada reports the number of police reported hate crimes in Canada rose by 32.3% between 2022 and 2023, even though some victims might not report a hate crime they experienced. York Regional Police (YRP) reports an increase in hate incidents in recent years. In 2023, they report that the most common motivational factors for hate crimes were race/ethnicity (46%) and religion (38%). Between 2022 and 2023, hate crimes motivated by religion and sexual orientation increased the most compared to other motivational factors.

Hate has no home in York Region. No one should feel unsafe simply because of who they are.

We all have a role to play to make sure York Region is a welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone. By standing up against hate, we are showing our commitment to creating communities where diversity is celebrated and everyone participates freely in society, develops to their full potential, lives with respect and dignity, and is free from discrimination.

As a member organization of MDIG, the Town of East Gwillimbury is launching an #EndHateYR education and awareness campaign.

The campaign, developed in collaboration with YRP’s Hate Crimes Unit, provides education and awareness about hate motivated crimes and incidents, the impact on individuals and the community and how community members can work together to eliminate hate and support those impacted.

The first phase of the campaign, founded on research and developed in partnership with YRP, will educate residents of York Region about the difference between hate crimes and incidents and encourage them to report hate crimes and incidents when they see them.

To learn more about this campaign, follow the #EndHateYR hashtag or visit york.ca/EndHate