THE Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has seen a slight decrease of 2% in the number of reported hate and bias motivated incidents, from 2023 year to date, compared to finalized 2023 stats.
Of the 225 reported hate-motivated incidents to date in 2024, 174 have been deemed criminal and 51 have been determined to be hate-motivated but non-criminal. Twenty-six people have been charged with 65 counts of hate-motivated offences, with four formal YCJA warnings.
Of the 230 reported hate-motivated incidents in 2023, 178 have been deemed criminal and 52 have been determined to be hate-motivated but non-criminal.
Groups predominantly affected per the YTD 2024 data include:
- Jewish – 74 incidents (compared to 36 in 2023, resulting in an over 100% increase)
- Black – 36 incidents
- 2SLGBTQQIA+ – 24 incidents
- Muslim – 15 incidents (compared to 7 in 2023, resulting in an over 100% increase)
- Arab (West Asian, Middle Eastern and North African) – 14 incidents
The OPS Hate and Bias Crime Unit is actively working with the Crown Attorney’s office to fully investigate all reported incidents.
Each and every hate-motivated incident has a lasting impact not only on those who have been targeted, but throughout the neighbourhoods and communities where they occur, notes the Ottawa Police Service.
If you have been a victim of a hate-motivated incident you can file a report online or call Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222, extension 7300. If you are in immediate danger, dial 911 right away.
