- Prime Minister Mark Carney Unveils New Measures as Hate Crimes Against Jewish Community Reach Alarming Levels
TORONTO: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the creation of a new federal advisory council on Monday aimed at combating antisemitism and strengthening efforts to address hate-motivated crimes across the country, warning that Canada is falling short in protecting its Jewish citizens.
Speaking at a synagogue in Toronto, Carney described the rise in antisemitism as one of the most serious social challenges facing Canada, saying incidents targeting Jewish Canadians have reached levels not seen since the post-war era.
“Antisemitism in Canada has surged to levels not seen in the post-war period,” Carney said, emphasizing the need for urgent and targeted action.
New Federal Council to Address Hate and Promote Inclusion
The Prime Minister unveiled the Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality, and Inclusion, a new body tasked with developing strategies to combat antisemitism and other forms of hatred and discrimination. The council will be chaired by Marc Miller.
Carney said the council has been directed to conduct a comprehensive review of the causes and drivers of antisemitism in Canada, strengthen the collection of hate-crime data, and assess the effectiveness of government investments in education, prevention initiatives, and community safety programs.
“The crisis of antisemitism in Canada today is specific, severe, and demands a focused response,” he stated.
Jewish Community Disproportionately Targeted
Government statistics indicate that of the 1,342 religion-based hate crimes reported across Canada in 2024, nearly 70 percent were directed at the Jewish community, despite Jewish Canadians representing approximately one percent of the country’s population.
Officials say the sharp increase in antisemitic incidents has coincided with heightened tensions following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent conflict in Gaza.
In his remarks, Carney highlighted a series of troubling incidents, including shootings targeting Jewish schools, firebomb attacks on synagogues, and acts of violence against Jewish-owned businesses and community centers.
Legislative and Security Measures Expanded
The Canadian government has introduced six legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and tackling hate-related offenses. Among them is a bill that would strengthen legal protections for places of worship, educational institutions, and community centers while formally designating hate-motivated crime as a specific criminal offense.
The legislation was approved by the House of Commons in March 2026 and is currently under consideration by the Senate.
In addition, Carney noted that the federal government allocated C$75 million (US$54.2 million) in April to bolster security at religious institutions, including synagogues and Jewish schools. More than C$36 million was also invested last year in programs designed to counter violent extremism and promote social cohesion.
Commitment to Protecting Diversity and Social Harmony
The new advisory council forms part of Ottawa’s broader strategy to safeguard religious freedom, strengthen community security, and reinforce Canada’s commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion amid growing concerns over hate-driven violence and discrimination.
BY: The Times Union