OTTAWA – – Police-reported hate crime incidents in Canada remained largely stable in 2024 following several years of significant increases, according to new data released by Statistics Canada.
The agency reported a total of 4,882 hate crimes last year, representing a modest one per cent increase compared to 2023. This relative stability follows a sharp 34 per cent rise between 2022 and 2023 and reflects a broader trend in which hate crimes in Canada have more than doubled since 2018.
Statistics Canada noted that the overall stabilization masks notable shifts in the motivations behind these crimes. Incidents targeting race or ethnicity rose by eight per cent in 2024, while those motivated by sexual orientation declined significantly by 26 per cent.
Hate crimes targeting religion remained relatively unchanged overall, following a dramatic 154 per cent increase between 2020 and 2023. Of these, 70 per cent were directed at Jewish communities, 17 per cent targeted Muslim communities, and the remainder involved other religious groups.
Despite stable totals, the severity of religiously motivated hate crimes has intensified. Data comparing the periods from 2019–2021 and 2022–2024 shows that violent hate crimes targeting religion increased by more than 116 per cent, while non-violent incidents rose by over 57 per cent.
The report also highlights geographic patterns, noting that hate crimes are significantly more likely to occur near educational institutions—approximately eight times more likely than other types of crime. Religious hate crimes were also most frequently reported near places of worship, though this trend has shown a slight decline over time.
In response to ongoing concerns, the federal government has advanced new legislation aimed at addressing hate-related offences. The proposed law would introduce new penalties for intimidation outside religious and cultural institutions, criminalize the promotion of hate through symbols, and formally define “hatred” within the Criminal Code. The bill has passed the House of Commons and is currently under review in the Senate.
While the legislation has been supported by some, it has also drawn criticism from civil liberties groups and others who argue it could expand police powers and potentially limit lawful protest.
Statistics Canada emphasized that hate crimes include both confirmed and suspected incidents and may target individuals or property based on factors such as race, religion, ethnic origin or sexual orientation.
The latest data underscores both progress in slowing the rapid growth of hate crimes and the continuing need for vigilance, policy response and community engagement to address the evolving nature of these offences across Canada.