Carney Launches Advisory Council to Combat Antisemitism and Hate in Canada

Federal government announces new advisory body as Ottawa expands efforts to address rising antisemitism and hate crimes

TORONTO — Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the creation of a new federal advisory body tasked with helping the government combat antisemitism, racism, and other forms of hate as concerns continue to grow over rising hate-motivated incidents across Canada.

The announcement was made June 1 in Toronto, where the Prime Minister unveiled the new Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality, and Inclusion, which will be chaired by the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the council’s initial mandate will focus on addressing antisemitism through research, policy development, public safety initiatives, and improved data collection.

The launch comes amid what the federal government describes as a significant increase in antisemitic incidents across Canada and internationally.

Government Highlights Rise in Antisemitism

In announcing the council, Carney cited federal data showing that more than two-thirds of religion-motivated hate crimes reported in Canada last year targeted Jewish Canadians, despite Jewish Canadians representing approximately one per cent of the country’s population.

The Prime Minister said protecting communities from hate and discrimination remains a core responsibility of government.

“The protection of citizens is the most fundamental responsibility of government,” Carney said in a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

To combat antisemitism, we must first admit that Canada’s civic compact is failing Jewish Canadians. pic.twitter.com/CmtzkPOylG

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) June 2, 2026

Four Priorities for the New Council

The government has directed the council to begin its work by focusing on four key areas:

• Assessing the nature, scale, and causes of antisemitism in Canada.
• Developing a whole-of-government strategy to address antisemitism.
• Improving research, data collection, and information sharing related to hate incidents.
• Measuring the effectiveness of federal programs and investments aimed at reducing hate and improving community safety.

The advisory council includes former senator Marc Gold, retired military leader Martine Roy, Olympic champion Catriona Le May Doan, former cabinet minister Omar Alghabra, Gary LaPlante, Dr. Aftab Erfan, and Avnish Nanda.

Building on Existing Federal Measures

The announcement builds on a series of recent federal initiatives aimed at combating hate crimes and violent extremism.

The government highlighted Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, which passed the House of Commons in March 2026. The legislation would create new Criminal Code offences related to intentionally obstructing access to places of worship, schools, and community centres.

Ottawa also recently committed an additional $75 million through the Canada Community Security Program, which helps fund security upgrades, training, and protective measures for communities vulnerable to hate-motivated incidents.

In addition, the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence continues to support programs aimed at preventing violent extremism and addressing hate online.

Focus on Inclusion and Community Safety

The federal government said the advisory council will help shape future policies designed to strengthen inclusion, improve community safety, and ensure all Canadians can participate fully in public life without fear of discrimination or violence.

Carney said the government’s goal is to ensure Jewish Canadians can live openly and safely while reinforcing Canada’s broader commitment to equality and inclusion.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the council’s work is expected to help guide future government action as Canada continues efforts to combat antisemitism and other forms of hate.

Source: Prime Minister’s Office, Government of Canada.

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