Notice of Issue: Increase in Antisemitism and Hate‑Motivated Incidents
This Notice of Issue identifies seven specific actions to address the rise in antisemitic and hate‑motivated incidents in Ontario.
It is informed by data from the Inspectorate of Policing, Statistics Canada and police services, indicating a sustained increase in incidents and a disproportionate impact on Jewish communities.
Intended to support police services and police service boards in meeting their obligations under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act and its regulations, the Notice represents an important step in an ongoing process, with services and boards expected to consider how the identified actions can be applied within their local contexts and fortify existing approaches.
Read the full Notice of Issue (PDF)
Context
Crime statistics show an overall increase in hate‑motivated incidents in Ontario between 2020 and 2024, with a significant rise in incidents motivated by antisemitism.
Since 2023, Jewish communities have been the most targeted group for hate crimes in Canada while representing less than 1% of Canada’s population.
Across Ontario, there has been an increase in intimidation, vandalism and violence targeting Jewish communities. In recent months, some incidents have escalated to include firearms being discharged at synagogues, schools and businesses.
Since October 7, 2023, police services and boards have undertaken significant efforts in response to these trends. This Notice of Issue builds on that work by identifying actions to enhance consistency in how policing responses are delivered across the province.
While hate‑motivated incidents affect a range of communities, this Notice of Issue focuses on the disproportionate rise in antisemitic incidents and identifies actions to support policing that is responsive to the needs of affected communities.
Inspector General’s Engagement Informing this Notice of Issue
The Inspector General convened a meeting of police service and police service board leaders and police sector partners from across Ontario to examine how policing responses to antisemitic and hate‑motivated incidents are evolving. The meeting provided an opportunity to share experiences, identify challenges and highlight approaches already being implemented across Ontario.
Participants included representatives from 14 municipal and regional police services and boards, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and Police Governance Ontario, and Jewish and community organizations. These organizations provided perspectives on patterns of antisemitism, how incidents are affecting communities and considerations for effective policing responses.
Read Backgrounder for more information.
Actions identified to address this issue
This Notice of Issue identifies seven specific policing actions to address the rise in antisemitic and hate‑motivated incidents, including:
- Improving the identification and tracking of antisemitic hate through consistent classification practice to strengthen data and evidence-based policing.
- Centralization of policing functions that strengthen investigations and victim response through a multidisciplinary approach.
- Promoting consistent application of release conditions for individuals charged with hate-motivated offences.
- Enhancing supervisory oversight of hate‑motivated investigations.
- Expanding support for victims and communities, and the use of community impact statements.
- Consistent training on contemporary antisemitism and the legal and other tools to respond.
- Strengthening police board oversight, prioritization and public reporting on hate-related issues.
While this Notice of Issue focuses on antisemitic hate‑motivated incidents, police services and boards are expected to remain responsive to the needs of all communities affected by hate.
This includes using available data to identify communities that are disproportionately impacted by hate‑motivated incidents, engaging with community organizations and applying responses that reflect local needs.
What Happens Next
Police services and boards are expected to consider how the identified actions can be implemented within their local contexts and continue building on existing approaches.
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and Police Governance Ontario have agreed to support police services and boards across the province in the ongoing implementation and consistent application of the actions identified in the Notice.
The IoP will continue to monitor trends, engage with the sector, and assess how responses to these issues evolve over time. Through future analysis and public reporting, the IoP will examine their impact, identify leading practices, and help inform continuous improvement in policing and governance responses.