Hate/Bias Motivated Crime or Incident

Hate‑ or bias‑motivated crimes affect not only the individual but the wider community, increasing fear, isolation, and vulnerability.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, hate crimes include:

• Section 318: Advocating genocide
• Section 319(1): Public incitement of hatred
• Section 319(2): Wilful promotion of hatred
• Section 430(4.1): Mischief motivated by hate against religious property

Incidents that do not meet the legal threshold may still be considered hate‑ or bias‑motivated and can be addressed during sentencing.

What Is a Hate-/Bias‑Motivated Crime?
A hate/bias‑motivated crime is any criminal offence against a person or property that is motivated, in whole or in part, by hate, bias, or prejudice based on actual or perceived characteristics such as:

• ancestry, race, national or ethnic origin
• language, colour, religion, creed
• sex, age, disability
• gender identity or sexual orientation
• or other similar factors

These crimes can include violence, threats, mischief, vandalism, threatening calls, or damage to religious property or symbols.

A hate-/bias‑motivated incident is non‑criminal behaviour involving the same characteristics as hate crimes but does not meet the Criminal Code threshold. Examples include racial slurs, intimidation, discrimination, or distribution of hateful materials.

• Ensure you are safe.
• Avoid intervening if it may escalate the situation.
• Note descriptions of people, clothing, or vehicles.
• Report the incident to police and provide as much detail as possible.

All reports are reviewed within 24 hours, and you will be contacted by a Hate Crime Investigator from the Major Crime Section.

Support for Victims

If you have experienced a hate‑ or bias‑motivated crime or incident and need emotional support, practical assistance, or referrals, contact Sudbury Area Victim Services (SAVS) at 705‑522‑6970.