Halifax hate-crime numbers rise, but police say they remain underreported
The surge in hate crimes in Halifax and Nova Scotia continues to be a growing concern, with various factors contributing to the rise, including political tensions and global conflicts. According to recent statistics presented to Halifax’s board of police commissioners, hate crimes in the municipality have seen a significant increase over the past decade.
In 2023, there were 121 reported hate crimes in Halifax, compared to just seven in 2014. This alarming trend places Halifax with a rate of 23 incidents per 100,000 people, making it the fifth-highest in Canada. The most targeted characteristic in these hate crimes is race, with Black, South Asian, and Arab/West Asian groups being the most common victims. Hate crimes against newcomers (xenophobia), sexual orientation, religion, and gender are also prevalent in Halifax.
Const. Madeleine Goldsmith, diversity inclusion officer for HRP, emphasized that hate crimes are vastly underreported, with many incidents going unnoticed or unreported due to fear of retaliation, mistrust of police, or normalization of such behavior. Goldsmith highlighted the unique community-wide impact of hate crimes, where an attack on one individual or group can instill fear in an entire community sharing the same identity.
In Nova Scotia, the province with the highest rate of police-reported hate crimes in Canada, efforts are being made to address and prevent these incidents. However, only 14 out of the 121 reported hate crimes in Halifax resulted in charges being laid, indicating the challenges law enforcement faces in identifying and prosecuting offenders.
The influence of national and international politics on hate crimes was also discussed, with concerns raised about the impact of divisive rhetoric and policies on marginalized communities. Goldsmith noted an increase in alt-right groups and heightened fear among the 2SLGBTQ+ community following certain political statements and actions.
The polarization of politics was highlighted as a significant factor contributing to the rise in hate crimes, making it more challenging for law enforcement to address these issues effectively. Hate crimes, motivated by prejudice or bias, include a range of offenses from verbal abuse to physical assault and discriminatory graffiti.
Both Halifax Regional Police and Halifax RCMP are actively tracking hate incidents, which are behaviors driven by bias or prejudice but may not constitute criminal acts. By monitoring these incidents, law enforcement can identify trends and target areas for community outreach and education to prevent further escalation.
Efforts are being made to address the increasing number of hate crimes, with specialized units and coordinators in place to investigate and respond to these incidents. However, the ongoing rise in hate crimes across Canada underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to combat prejudice and discrimination in all its forms.
