New Advisory Council and Enhanced Community Security Funding Aim to Build a Safer, More Inclusive Canada
TORONTO – Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled a series of new federal measures aimed at combating the growing threat of antisemitism in Canada and strengthening support for Jewish communities across the country.
Speaking in Toronto, the Prime Minister acknowledged the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents and hate crimes, emphasizing that protecting all Canadians from hatred and discrimination remains one of the government’s most fundamental responsibilities.
According to federal data, more than two-thirds of all religion-motivated hate crimes reported in Canada last year were directed at Jewish Canadians, despite the Jewish community representing only one per cent of the national population.
“Canada’s strength lies in its diversity,” said Prime Minister Carney. “Our differences are strengths to be nurtured, not risks to be managed. We are building a country where Jewish Canadians can be visibly, fully, and joyfully Jewish in public life.”
As part of the government’s broader public safety agenda, Ottawa has introduced six pieces of legislation over the past year designed to combat hatred, violence and extremism. Central among these measures is Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, which strengthens Criminal Code provisions related to intimidation, harassment and obstruction targeting places of worship, schools, community centres and other institutions serving identifiable communities.
The federal government also announced an additional $75 million investment in the Canada Community Security Program through the Spring Economic Update 2026. The program provides financial assistance to faith-based and community organizations for security infrastructure improvements, safety training and additional security personnel where required.
In a significant step forward, Prime Minister Carney announced the creation of the new Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion. The council will be chaired by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
The newly established council has been tasked with developing a comprehensive national strategy to address racism, discrimination and hatred in all forms. Its initial mandate will focus on combating antisemitism through improved research, enhanced data collection, stronger policy coordination and measurable outcomes.
The advisory council includes several distinguished Canadians, including former Senator Marc Gold, Martine Roy, Olympic champion Catriona Le May Doan, former federal cabinet minister Omar Alghabra, Gary LaPlante, Dr. Aftab Erfan and Avnish Nanda.
The Council will focus on four key priorities:
• Assessing the nature, scope and causes of antisemitism across Canadian institutions, workplaces, campuses and online platforms.
• Developing a whole-of-government strategy to ensure federal programs and policies effectively combat antisemitism and protect Jewish Canadians.
• Improving research and data collection related to hate incidents while strengthening information sharing among governments, educational institutions and law enforcement agencies.
• Measuring the effectiveness of federal investments in education, prevention, training and community safety initiatives.
Minister Marc Miller emphasized that no Canadian should feel unsafe because of their identity, religion or cultural background.
“As we face a horrifying rise in hate in our communities, no one should feel unsafe because of who they are, how they worship, or where they gather,” said Miller. “This council will play a critical role in bringing communities together around our shared values and ensuring all Canadians can live in safety, dignity and freedom.”
The announcement comes amid growing concern over increasing incidents of antisemitism and other forms of hate across Canada and internationally.
Federal officials say the new measures are intended not only to protect Jewish Canadians but also to reinforce Canada’s longstanding commitment to inclusion, diversity and human rights for all communities.
The government reaffirmed that combating hatred, protecting vulnerable communities and strengthening social cohesion will remain key priorities as Canada continues to build a safer and more inclusive society for future generations.