Hate crimes & incidents 

Violence prevention

Hate crimes and hate incidents stem from hostility toward a person or group. Here’s how to distinguish between them. 

What is a hate crime? 

An act becomes a crime when it is repetitive or threatens a person’s physical or mental integrity. It is considered a hate crime when it targets individuals based on their: 

  • Ethnic or national origin 
  • Language 
  • Skin color 
  • Religion 
  • Sex or gender 
  • Age 
  • Sexual orientation 
  • Disability 

Examples: 

  • Assaulting someone because of their skin color or religion 
  • Vandalizing places of worship or businesses associated with a community 
  • Intimidating a person because of a disability 
  • Posting threats or calls for violence on social media against an individual or group based on their identity 
  • Assaulting individuals because of their sexual orientation 

What is a hate incident? 

A hate incident, while affecting the sense of security of those targeted, is not punishable by law if it is isolated. However, such acts should not be taken lightly. If repeated, they may be considered harassment and escalate into a hate crime. 

Examples: 

  • Making insulting remarks about a person’s ethnic origin or sexual orientation 
  • Sharing offensive content targeting a specific community on social media 
  • Disrespecting someone because of their age or skin color 
  • Mistreating store employees based on their ethnic background 
  • Making hurtful comments to a person with a disability 
  • A hate incident can become a hate crime if it escalates into threats, public incitement to hatred, or criminal harassment. 

Some official definitions 

To better differentiate between the two, here are the official definitions provided by the Centre for the Prevention of Radicalization Leading to Violence (CPRMV). 

A hate crime 

A criminal act motivated by prejudice or hatred toward an individual or group based on factors such as race, national or ethnic origin, language, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or mental or physical disability. 

A hate incident 

A non-criminal act that affects the sense of security of an individual or identifiable group and, given the context, is perceived as a targeted act against them based on characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, language, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or physical or mental disability. 

Other acts considered criminal 

Beyond hate crimes, other hate-motivated acts are punishable by law. Learn more about the legal boundaries set by the Criminal Code: 

What to do when it happens? 

To put an end to these acts, it is essential to report them, whether you are a victim or a witness. 

Depending on the urgency, you can contact: 

  • 911: For immediate assistance 
  • 811: Info-Social or Info-Santé helpline 
  • Info-Police Line (450 662-4636): To report confidentially 
  • Visit one of our service points 

Available resources 

For information or support: 

Crime Victims Assistance Center (CAVAC) 
1 866 532-2822 

Centre for the Prevention of Radicalization Leading to Violence 
514 687-7141 or 1 877 687-7141 

Human Rights Commission 
1 800 361-6477 

An emergency? 

Call 911