What Is Hate Crime?

Hate crimes are criminal acts done by a person who is motivated by an extreme bias (race, national or ethnic origin, language, color, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, or any other similar factor) or hatred towards a particular social group (Department of Justice Canada, 2023). 

Hate crimes may be directed at physical, symbolic targets (such as a mosque or church) or at individuals or groups of people.

Criminal code contains four hate propaganda offences:

• Advocating or promoting genocide against identifiable group (subsection 318(1)).
• Inciting hatred against an identifiable group in a public place that is likely to lead to a breach of the peace (subsection 319(1)).
• Willfully promoting hatred against an identifiable group other than in private conversation (subsection 319(2)).
• Willfully promoting antisemitism by denying, condoning or downplaying the Holocaust (subsection 319(2.1)).

Should I report hate crime to the police?

Absolutely! The Vancouver Police Department encourages everyone to report a hate crime if you are a victim or witness. If you have experienced a hate incident that may not be considered a crime in the Criminal Code, VPD will still like to hear from you.

How do I report hate crime?

• Call 911 if your immediate safety is at risk.
• If there is no immediate safety risk, and you saw the suspect, or there is physical evidence (texts, videos, audio recordings) of an offence, call the non-emergency number.

For more information, please refer to VPD Hate Crime