Eliminate Hate: Hate Crimes and Hate Speech in Canada

Abstract

The prevalence of hate speech and hate-motivated crimes in Canada can be attributed to the systemic failures of Canadian laws. These laws have historically condoned ill treatment towards minorities and minimal changes have been made to remedy this. An examination of how Canadian criminal law defines hate speech and hate-motivated crimes will provide a better understanding of how the current legal framework inadequately addresses it. An analysis of the current state of affairs and real-world implications will provide information on statistics and consequences. Particular attention is focused on several minority groups who face the consequences of these crimes. More research should be conducted focusing on the effects of hate speech and crime on victims and their mental health. Moreover, additional research determining causal linkages between hate speech and serious violent incidents of hate crimes would better solidify the need to address hate speech more seriously.