Carney promises to combat antisemitism in Canada, citing surge in hate crimes
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday announced a new federal advisory council to combat antisemitism, warning that a rise in hate crimes shows Canada is failing to protect Jewish Canadians.
Speaking at a Toronto synagogue, Carney said antisemitism in Canada “has surged to levels not seen in the post-war period.” Government data shows that of 1,342 religion-based hate crimes reported in 2024, about 70% targeted the Jewish community, which is roughly 1% of Canada’s population.
He unveiled the Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality, and Inclusion, which will be chaired by Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller. Carney said, “The crisis of antisemitism in Canada today is specific, it’s severe, and it demands a targeted response.”
He directed the council to reassess antisemitism in Canada, improve hate-crime data collection, and evaluate how effective investments in education, prevention, and community safety are.
Carney said antisemitic hate crimes have surged sharply since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza. He cited bullets fired at Jewish schools, firebombs thrown at synagogues, and attacks on Jewish-owned businesses and community centers.
He also said the government has introduced six bills to improve public safety and combat hatred, including legislation strengthening protections for places of worship, schools, and community centers and making hate-motivated crime a specific offense. The bill passed the House in March 2026 and is now in the Senate.
In April, the government committed C$75 million to improve security at religious institutions, including synagogues and Jewish day schools, and allocated more than C$36 million last year for countering violent extremism projects.
