Police-reported hate crimes jumped by 32 per cent in one year: Stats Can

The number of police-reported hate crimes continues to rise sharply, according to Statistics Canada.

Canadian police forces recorded 4,777 reported incidents in 2023, a 32 per cent increase from 2022, which saw 3,612 incidents reported.

Overall, the number of police-reported hate crimes has more than doubled in the last four years. 

Nova Scotia saw the highest overall rate of hate crimes in 2023: 18.2 incidents per 100,000 population. However, statisticians noted this is likely due, in part, to the recent creation of a dedicated hate crimes unit in Halifax and increased public awareness.

World events, large-scale social movements, general awareness among local communities, and the expertise of local police can play a role in whether and how a hate crime is reported.

Hate crimes related to religion accounted for much of the 2023 increase, with 70 per cent of religiously related hate crimes directed at Jewish populations.

Several Canadian police forces link this increase with conflict in the Middle East, particularly Israel’s continued attacks on Gaza, which has resulted in the confirmed deaths of more than 50,000 Palestinians.

Another 14,000 Palestinians are missing in Gaza and presumed dead.