Ontario Launches Canada’s First Specialized Hate Crimes Prosecution Unit

Ontario is establishing Canada’s first-ever specialized Hate Crimes Prosecution Unit, staffed by Crown prosecutors with experience handling hate-motivated offences.

The initiative was originally proposed by Eglinton–Lawrence MPP Michelle Cooper and has received support from Toronto, York and Peel police, CIJA, B’nai Brith Canada and other community organizations.

B’nai Brith welcomed the announcement amid a sharp rise in antisemitism, saying the new unit will help ensure perpetrators of hate crimes are held accountable.

The organization is now calling on other provinces to establish similar specialized prosecution units.