News
2021 annual hate crime statistical report findings, reported hate crimes increase by 22 per cent

May 2, 2022, Toronto, Ont. – The Toronto Police Service presented its Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report at the Toronto Police Services Board meeting on Monday, outlining an increase in hate crime reporting for 2021.

The Service recorded 257 hate-motivated occurrences in 2021, which is a 22 per cent increase from the 210 hate-motivated occurrences reported in 2020. Overall, the number of occurrences in 2021 is higher than the ten-year average of 162 occurrences. In 2021, the global pandemic and geopolitical events are believed to be key contributing factors to the increase in hate crime reporting.

Religion, ethnic or national origin and race were the predominant motivating factors for hate crimes in 2021, representing 186 of the total 257 occurrences. East and Southeast Asian communities were the most victimized community groups in this category.

Of note in 2021:

• The Jewish community and the Black community were the predominant victim groups for mischief related occurrences
• The East and Southeast Asian communities, followed by the Black community, were the predominant victim groups for assaults
• The Black and LGBTQ2S+ community were the predominant victim group for uttering threat occurrences

“Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and the Service is proud to serve such diverse communities. Year over year we are seeing an increase in hate motivated crimes in Toronto and we have taken steps to increase the capacity of our dedicated Hate Crime Unit and expand our community outreach efforts to address community concerns directly. Hate crimes victimize not only the person, but also the communities they identify with and the negative effects can be long-lasting,” said Chief of Police James Ramer.

Hate crimes are a Service priority and they are committed to combatting hate by investigating these offences, providing education and delivering training specific to understanding and reporting hate crimes. This is demonstrated through the 2022 budget, which will allow the Service to redeploy resources to their Hate Crime Unit (HCU) to help prevent hate crimes and increase investigative capacity in this critical area. This expansion will provide two additional positions specifically dedicated to hate crime education, prevention and investigations.

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) and the Chiefs of Police National Roundtable recently announced the creation of a national task force on hate crimes. The Service will be part of the initiative focused on increasing awareness of the scope, nature and impact of hate crimes across Canada and creating national standards to better support targeted communities. This will include police training, effective engagement with victims and communities, and supporting hate crime units across the country.