Hate Crime & Hate Incidents
You can now report hate-motivated crime & incidents ONLINE.
Hate impacts everyone: Cornwall Police Service investigates hate crimes and incidents in partnership with the community to build trust, prevent hate crimes and incidents from occurring and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect in our city.
When a crime or incident motivated by hate occurs, it hurts not only the victim but the whole community. It makes people feel unsafe and creates distrust between citizens.
What is the difference between a hate crime and a hate/bias incident?
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A hate crime is a criminal offence committed against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by the offender’s (real or perceived) bias, prejudice or hate against an identifiable group (such as, race, nationality, ethnicity, language, colour, religion, gender expression or identity, age, mental or physical disability or sexual orientation or similar factor). Examples include assault, mischief (graffiti), and uttering threats, etc.
A hate/bias incident is a non-criminal action or behaviour that is motivated by hate against an identifiable group. Examples include, “Go back to your country”, racial slurs or other derogatory remarks about being part of an identifiable group, etc. Criminal Code of Canada
- Section 318 - Advocating Genocide*
- Section 319 (1) - Public Incitement of Hatred*
- Section 319 (2) - Willful Promotion of Hatred*
- Section 430 (4.1) - Mischief motivated by hate in relation to religious property
*Charges under Section 318 & 319 require approval by the Attorney General.
CPS Hate Crimes Investigators want to know about hate crimes AND non-criminal hate incidents. STOP THE HATE: DON’T WAIT, REPORT HATE!
- For emergencies, call 911
- For non-emergencies, call 613-933-5000
- To report anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477
- For hate incidents, REPORT ONLINE.
Why Report? Reporting hate crimes and incidents is an important step in stopping the cycle of hatred and preventing others from being victimized. It is also important for police to be aware of hate crimes and incidents so an analysis can be done to ensure actions are taken, including assigning appropriate resources to make our community safer. What happens when you report a Hate Crime or Hate/Bias-Motivated Incident? We take all hate motivated crimes and incidents very seriously. All reports are reviewed by a CPS Hate Crime Investigator.
- If you do not want the incident investigated further, the information provided will be recorded for statistical purposes.
- If you indicated that you would like an investigator to follow up, you will receive further contact by either email or telephone.
What to do when you encounter hate:
- Remain calm
- Keep all relevant material
- Record all information regarding the incident
- Report it immediately to police. (see how below).
Additional support & community resources:
- Victim Services of SDG&A
- Anti-Racism Network
- Canadian Anti-Hate Network
- Canadian Race Relations Foundation
- Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy
- Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center
- National Council of Canadian Muslims
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, the online reporting service is only available in English at this time; however, you may arrange to have someone who reads English help you fill out the following form or they can fill out the form on your behalf. If you are unable to fill out the form, please call the CPS non-emergency line.