Letter Addressed to the Honourable Pascale St-Onge Regarding the Upcoming Hate Crimes Report from the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime

December 6, 2024

The Honourable Pascale St-Onge
Minister of Canadian Heritage
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

Re: Upcoming Hate Crimes Report from the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime

Dear Minister St-Onge,

I am writing to provide you with a copy of our report, Strengthening Access to Justice for Victims of Hate Crime in Canada, which we will release on December 10th following a press conference on Human Rights Day.

As the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime, a critical part of my role is to identify systemic issues that negatively impact victims of crime and to recommend ways in which the federal government can tailor its laws, policies and programs to the needs of victims and survivors in Canada.

Hate, in all its forms, is a critical concern for our Office. The report contains the results of research and consultations with many stakeholders. It highlights the challenges and gaps in the response to hate crimes in Canada.

Of the 13 recommendations, the first focuses on the need to ensure that victims' rights play a central role in Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate. Specifically, the Action Plan should consider the rights set out in the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR), which has quasi-constitutional status. It is an essential element of any federal policy or legislation relating to victims of crime.

A copy of the report has already been shared with Minister Khera and I have expressed my desire to meet with her to discuss the work of our Office and how we can work constructively together to implement the Action Plan.

I would also be happy to meet with you to discuss our report in more detail if you wish.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Roebuck,
Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime

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