The Government of Canada hosted a National Summit on Antisemitism to identify and take concrete action to address the rise of antisemitism facing Jewish communities across Canada

“Antisemitism has no place in Canada—or anywhere else. It is unacceptable that Jewish communities and people still face violence, hate, and discrimination in our country. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to continue to take concrete action to combat antisemitism in all its forms. Only together can we build a Canada where we celebrate diversity, compassion, and inclusion as our strengths.”

—The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Racism and hate, including antisemitism, have no place in Canada. Nothing can justify the spread of hate online or in any form. While the Government of Canada continues to stand against all forms of hate, systemic racism, and intolerance, we know that Canada is not immune to hate-motivated violence and antisemitism. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Jewish organizations and individuals who shared their intersectional lived experiences, and their recommendations on how the government can further identify and combat antisemitism, build upon and improve existing programs, and empower and enable the diverse Jewish communities in Canada. Today’s summit was another important and productive step to building a consciously more inclusive society.”

—The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth

“Jewish communities across Canada are threatened and targeted in their neighborhoods, in the streets, on campuses, and in their communities. We have seen torched synagogues, memorials defaced, institutions vandalized, and cemeteries desecrated. Historically, and still today, Jewish people remain one of the most targeted minorities with respect to hate crimes—globally and in Canada. This is further provoked by the incendiary antisemitic hate we see on social media platforms, which incentivize offline violence. This national summit is not be a one-time conversation, but an ongoing commitment to the combatting of the scourge of antisemitism which affects us all.”

—The Honourable Irwin Cotler, Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism

“Anti-Jewish hatred is a growing and constantly mutating scourge that must be combatted with determination by all Canadians. We are pleased that the Government of Canada has demonstrated leadership and has organized this National Summit on Antisemitism. We will continue to work with our elected officials on advancing the concrete and constructive policy proposals we are presenting related to community security, education, and combating Holocaust denial. While today’s summit focused on antisemitism and Jewish lived experience, the lessons learned and measures that will be implemented as a result will be instructive and of value to all at-risk minorities. All Canadians—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—have a role to play in creating the Canada we aspire to live in, one free from hate, racism, and bigotry.”

—Shimon Koffler Fogel, President and CEO, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)

“To counter antisemitism and all forms of hatred, we need to ensure protection by strengthening and implementing laws and policies; ensure prevention by effective education and training; and by increasing meaningful partnerships, both within our own community and between other racialized communities. I would like to thank the Government of Canada for convening this summit and I look forward to continuing our collaboration, reflecting both the Canadian and Jewish values of human rights, justice, equity, and inclusion in our fight against all forms of discrimination and hate, including antisemitism.” 

—Dr. Karen R. Mock, CM; Human Rights Consultant; President, JSpaceCanada

• As noted by Ahmed Shaheed, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, antisemitic hate speech has increased alarmingly since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Government of Canada is committed to combating all forms of antisemitism through important measures, including by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism in Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2022 to help combat antisemitic attitudes and behaviours, including Holocaust denial and distortion.

• Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, unveiled on June 25, 2019, after extensive cross-country consultations, is a $45-million investment to build long-term changes in supporting communities and improving policies, initiatives, and practices in our federal institutions.

• In the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada provided $50 million over two years, starting in 2021–22, to expand the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program and the Anti-Racism Action Program to deliver on the government’s anti-racism objectives, including by expanding the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat.

• The Anti-Racism Action Program is another important step by which the Government of Canada implements Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, by supporting projects that help address barriers to employment, justice, and social participation among Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and religious minorities.

• Budget 2021 outlines the government’s plan to build a healthier, more inclusive and more equal Canada and provides new funding to empower racialized Canadians and help community groups combat racism in all its forms.

Related products

• Backgrounder

Associated links

• Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019–2022
• Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat
• Anti-Racism Action Program
• 2020 Fall Economic Statement
• Budget 2021 – A More Equal Canada

For more information (media only), please contact:

Aidan Strickland
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth
aidan.strickland@canada.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca