The Combatting Hate Act: An Important Step Forward for Safe, More Inclusive Communities in Canada
On July 18, 2026, Canada’s Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9) officially came into force to address the growing prevalence of hate-motivated incidents and protecting diverse communities across Canada. According to Canada’s Department of Justice, “between 2018 and 2024, the number of police-reported hate crimes has more than doubled. Of these hate crimes, most targeted race or ethnicity and religion”.
The legislation introduces stronger Criminal Code measures to address hate crimes, intimidation, and obstruction, while reinforcing the right of all Canadians to safely access places of worship, schools, community centres, and other public spaces without fear. Fostering Diverse Communities Canada wholeheartedly supports this legislation.
Over the past decade, we have witnessed a shocking increase in hate incidents directed at Indigenous Peoples, Black Canadians, Jewish, Muslim. Sikh, and other faith communities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, newcomers, and many others because of who they are. Hate does not remain confined to words; it creates fear, damages communities, and undermines the sense of belonging that is essential to a healthy, democratic country.
Legislation alone cannot eliminate hate, but it does establish clear societal expectations and provides law enforcement with stronger tools to respond when hate escalates into criminal behaviour. It also sends the unmistakable message that there is no place for hate in Canada.
At Fostering Diverse Communities Canada, this work is deeply personal. I served on the Alberta Hate Crimes Committee, now known as Stop Hate AB, as a civilian member. There was strong collaboration with community organizations, law enforcement agencies, educators, government representatives, Alberta Human Rights Commission, and advocates to better understand the realities faced by individuals and communities targeted by hate. Those experiences reinforced an important truth: combating hate requires both accountability and education. I was trained to facilitate Alberta Hate Crimes Committee’s “Hate Hurts” program for junior high school students, and I include information about hate crimes and human rights in most of the training courses I provide because they’re not something we talk about every day and people deserve to know their rights. I also share information about what to do if you witness or experience hate.
These changes to our laws are necessary but they must also be paired with prevention. Building inclusive communities requires ongoing education, courageous conversations, intercultural understanding and opportunities for people to challenge stereotypes and biases before prejudice becomes discrimination – or worse.
Public safety and fundamental freedoms are essential in a democratic society. The Combatting Hate Act strengthens legal protections while reminding us that inclusion is a shared responsibility. Discussions around hate legislation can raise questions about freedom of speech and expression. Canada has long valued open dialogue and respectful disagreement. The Combatting Hate Act is designed to target criminal hate, intimidation, and violence; not legitimate debate or differing opinions.
We all have a role to play:
Report hate crimes to police. Call 911 if a crime is in progress.
Learn more about The Combatting Hate Act here.
Speak up when you witness hate.
Support those who have been targeted.
Educate yourself about experiences different from your own.
Foster workplaces, schools, and communities where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is intentional.
You can record non-criminal hate incidents on the Stop Hate AB website.
Find out more about facts and trends in this RCMP resource: Hate crimes and incidents in Canada: Facts trends and information for frontline police officers.
The Combatting Hate Act represents meaningful progress. Now it is up to all of us to foster communities where everyone is safe, respected and able to thrive.
Pass it on.
And, watch for an announcement about a new, free community campaign I’m launching later this year: #NoPlaceForHate.
Tymmarah Mackie, MA
Founder & President, Fostering Diverse Communities Canada
