Statement of Intent on Combatting Antisemitism

March 6, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Preamble

Over the last five years, hate-motivated crimes have been on the rise in Canada. Hate-motivated crimes targeting people from specific faiths have seen some of the fastest increase. All levels of government and law enforcement recognize that any form of hate is not acceptable.

In this context, the Jewish community has experienced a 71 percent increase in one year (2022 to 2023) of the reported religiously-motivated hate crimes across the country. This includes such heinous and violent events as shootings at Jewish schools, fire bombings at synagogues and Jewish community buildings, and antisemitic graffiti in Jewish cemeteries.

Nearly one in five of all forms of hate crimes are targeted at the Jewish community. Antisemitic acts are occurring on a regular basis, leaving Jewish Canadians fearing for their safety.

Hate crimes have a profound impact. They affect the victims and also the communities in which they take place. They cause fear, trauma and violence.

This is why this statement of intent was endorsed by representatives of federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments and law enforcement agencies from across Canada at the National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism, held in Ottawa, Ontario on March 6, 2025. It represents a commitment to work together with all partners to combat all hate crimes, including those motivated by religion, with a view toward improving the safety and security of all Canadians and their communities.

Statement of Intent

We, the undersigned representatives of federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments, as well as law enforcement agencies across Canada, recognize the urgent need to strengthen our collective efforts to combat hate crimes in all its forms, including to address the public safety threat of antisemitism.

Antisemitic hate crimes represent a serious threat to Jewish Canadians, their safety and security, their ability to live, work, and raise families free from violence. These acts also pose a serious threat to the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion that are fundamental to our country. This statement affirms our collective responsibility to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate-motivated crimes through decisive, coordinated, and focused actions.

Through this statement of intent, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing hate crimes that target Jewish Canadians and all Canadians, including through strengthened law enforcement and prosecution efforts. Together, we pledge to uphold the rights and safety of all Canadians, foster trust in our justice systems, and build a nation where any form of hate and discrimination have no place.

Endorsed by

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