Evaluation of the Nationally Standardized Data Collection Strategy on Hate-Motivated Crime

CIC Citizenship and Multiculturalism Branch: Interviews were conducted with representatives of the Branch who are involved in the Data Collection Strategy, including senior management. This group was interviewed primarily to gather information on relevance (i.e., alignment of the Strategy objectives and departmental priorities) and alternatives (i.e., whether there are any other feasible delivery options), and were also asked about use of the information produced by the Strategy.

Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics: Interviews were conducted with the representatives of CCJS who are directly involved in the Data Collection strategy, including senior management. The primary purpose of these interviews was to gather information on alternatives (i.e., whether there are any other feasible delivery options) and performance, particularly with respect to the outputs being generated by the Strategy and data validation issues.

Police Information Statistics Committee: The mandate of this committee is to develop, improve and deliver accurate statistical and analytical information to the Canadian public, police and government. It has extensive representation from the largest police agencies across Canada, as well as members from Public Safety Canada and Justice Canada, and interacts on a regular basis with CCJS. A sample of committee members was interviewed to gather perspectives on the necessity and utility of the Data Collection Strategy. The sample of POLIS interviewees was selected in conjunction with CIC to ensure that all types of police services were represented (i.e., federal, provincial, municipal) and that a wide geographic distribution was attained (i.e., interviewees were located in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax).

Other Stakeholders: Other stakeholders interviewed included non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academics, other government departments (OGDs), and international representatives. These stakeholders were either working in the field of anti-racism, conducting research in related areas, or were working in areas where crime statistics may be used to help inform policy and practice. An initial list of stakeholders was developed in conjunction with CIC’s Citizenship and Multiculturalism Branch, and interviewees were also asked to provide names of any other potential users of the information with whom they were familiar. This interview group was expected to provide input on the need for, and utility of, the Data Collection Strategy, including specific uses for the hate crime data.