Hate crime unit gets a boost

The rising number of hate crimes throughout communities in British Columbia has warranted a response from the RCMP.

The B.C RCMP are increasing the staffing capacity of the hate crimes unit through new funding from the Province, effectively ramping up the fight against hate motivated offences.

“Any form of hate, whether it be through criminal acts or racist language, has no place in British Columbia,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“In response to rising acts of hate in our communities, our government is ensuring the B.C. hate crimes unit has the resources needed to investigate these crimes to the fullest extent possible to hold perpetrators to account.”

The B.C. government is strengthening its hate crimes response by allocating over $734,000 to support and bolster the provincial RCMP unit.

The investment will bring five new officers and an intelligence analyst into the unit, growing the specialized team from two to eight team members.

This funding comes as part of a broader $230 million commitment to enhancing provincial policing services.

Between 2022 -2023, RCMP in British Columbia reported a 23 percent increase in hate crimes.

Hate crimes motivated by ethnicity and race increased by 12 percent specifically, while those related to sexual orientation jumped by 43 percent and those linked to religious views surged by more than 50 percent according to the release.

“Expanding this team will make a positive impact right across the province, strengthening the ability to address hate-related crimes, while also leading proactive initiatives that make our communities stronger,” said Chief Supt. Elija Rain, officer in charge of the B.C. RCMP major crime section.

“A larger diverse team helps us meet demands from our diverse communities and build on important partnerships with law enforcement, community groups and faith-based organizations.”

This investment is intended to improve how hate-motivated crimes are handled throughout the justice system.

By equipping police with better tools and information, the goal is to strengthen the evidence available for prosecutors when considering charges.

The funding will also enhance courtroom proceedings by providing expert testimony and offering greater support to both victims and witnesses.

Hate crimes are offences motivated by intense prejudice against individuals based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression according to the release.

The B.C. hate crimes unit plays a key role in responding to these incidents. In addition to conducting investigations, the unit also engages with communities to support prevention efforts and increase public understanding, encouraging people to recognize and report hate-related acts.

“When people are targeted because of who they are, they deserve to know that law enforcement is in their corner and that those responsible will be thoroughly investigated and held accountable,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General.

“This expanded support reflects our government’s commitment to standing up to hate and protecting people’s rights. It’s an investment in a safer, more inclusive B.C., where everyone can live with dignity and without fear.”

$4 million is being provided to the Province from Public Safety Canada (PSC) through the Shift B.C. program, which will primarily focus on the prevention of radicalized violence by providing support to people at risk.

The funding is being distributed across eight police departments and two non-profit organizations to strengthen their ability to respond to public-order concerns.

This support will help improve how hate crimes are reported, increase protection for places of worship, and enhance responses to extremist threats, including those targeting elected officials.

The Mayor of Fort St. John Lilia Hansen released a statement to the public on February 18, regarding vandalism and racism in the North Peace, following the vandalism of the Treaty 8 building.

“There is no place for hate in our city. These actions seek to divide us, incite fear, and negate the progress we have made in building relationships with Indigenous communities. The City of Fort St. John strongly condemns acts of racism and every form of discrimination,” said Hansen.

“We must all work together to ensure that Fort St. John is a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. Acts of hate will not define us; our response to them will. This is an opportunity for us to speak out against racism and reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity.”

British Columbia is the only province in the country with a dedicated hate crimes unit at the provincial level, a distinction that highlights its commitment to tackling hate and discrimination.

In May 2024, the province also launched a toll-free helpline to support people who’ve experienced racism.

By calling 1-833-457-5463 (1-833-HLP-LINE), individuals can access culturally appropriate services and get help recovering from the emotional and social impacts of racism.