2021 Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report Findings, Reported hate crimes increase by 22 percent

2021 Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report Findings,
Reported hate crimes increase by 22 percent

Broadcast time: 12:15
Date: Monday, May 2, 2022
Unit: Corporate Communications
Phone: 416-808-7100 

The Toronto Police Service presented its Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report at the Toronto Police Services Board meeting today, outlining an increase in hate crime reporting for 2021.

The Service recorded 257 hate-motivated occurrences in 2021, which is a 22 per cent increase from the 210 hate-motivated occurrences reported in 2020. Overall, the number of occurrences in 2021 is higher than the ten-year average of 162 occurrences. In 2021, the global pandemic and geopolitical events are believed to be key contributing factors to the increase in hate crime reporting.

Religion, ethnic or national origin and race were the predominant motivating factors for hate crimes in 2021, representing 186 of the total 257 occurrences. East and Southeast Asian communities were the most victimized community groups in this category.

Of note in 2021:
- The Jewish community and the Black community were the predominant victim groups for mischief related occurrences
- The East and Southeast Asian communities, followed by the Black community, were the predominant victim groups for assaults
- The Black and LGBTQ2S+ community were the predominant victim group for uttering threat occurrences

“Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and the Service is proud to serve such diverse communities. Year over year we are seeing an increase in hate motivated crimes in Toronto and we have taken steps to increase the capacity of our dedicated Hate Crime Unit and expand our community outreach efforts to address community concerns directly. Hate crimes victimize not only the person, but also the communities they identify with and the negative effects can be long-lasting,” said Chief of Police James Ramer. “We know hate crimes often go unreported and we are committed to working alongside our community partners to break down barriers and develop relationships so that more people will feel comfortable coming forward to report these crimes.”

Hate crimes are a Service priority and we are committed to combatting hate by investigating these offences, providing education and delivering training specific to understanding and reporting hate crimes. This is demonstrated through the 2022 budget, which will allow us to redeploy resources to our Hate Crime Unit (HCU) to help prevent hate crimes and increase investigative capacity in this critical area. This expansion will provide two additional positions specifically dedicated to hate crime education, prevention and investigations.

The HCU regularly collaborates with the Toronto Police Service’s Community Partnerships and Engagement Unit, Community Consultative Committees - including the newly formed Jewish Community Consultative Committee - and community organizations to provide education, public safety and to address community concerns specific to hate crimes. Community members are encouraged to report incidents of hate, prejudice and bias to police and work together with the Toronto Police Service to eliminate these crimes.

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) and the Chiefs of Police National Roundtable recently announced the creation of a national task force on hate crimes. The Service will be part of the initiative focused on increasing awareness of the scope, nature and impact of hate crimes across Canada and creating national standards to better support targeted communities. This will include police training, effective engagement with victims and communities, and supporting hate crime units across the country.

The Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report provides statistical data about criminal offences that are committed against persons or property which are motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on the victim’s race, nationality or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual or gender orientation or expression, or any other similar factor. The data is based on hate crimes reported to the Toronto Police Service between January 1 and December 31, 2021.

The report was presented to the Toronto Police Services Board today and can be found on the May 2, 2022, TPSB agenda.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca or listen to our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.

Ashling Murphy, Corporate Communications