The goal of this report is to identify the progress of the commitments made by 22 organizations across Ontario in response to the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (“Commission”) Inquiry into Assaults on Asian Canadian Anglers. From these commitments, best practices can be drawn. The Commission has also been monitoring any further incidents, and a description of these is provided.
The following are highlights of some of the activities that occurred prior to and during the 2008 fishing season, many of which were the result of commitments made during the Inquiry:
Also available in Korean, Vietnamese, simplified Chinese and traditional Chinese.
Available in alternate formats upon request
The Commission’s preliminary findings of the inquiry into assaults on Asian Canadian anglers, released in December 2007, made note of this submission:
Last August, I and my friend, who is of Chinese origin, were fishing near the channel here in the publicly owned land, we were chased away by the local residents...When I told them we were on public property [he] threatened to push us into the lake and said, “if you don’t leave now you will end up in the water.” We left because we didn’t want to get into trouble.
In September 2007, the Commission learned of several disturbing incidents that had occurred around lakes and bridges in Ontario. The incidents involved reports of assaults and verbal attacks on Asian Canadians who had engaged in recreational fishing in and around the shores of Lake Simcoe. Asian Canadians, or people fishing with Asian Canadians, appeared to be targeted, and a racist slur referring to Asian Canadians was associated with reports of assaults in some areas.
As English and Chinese-language media put a spotlight on these incidents and people in the Asian Canadian communities voiced their concerns, further incidents across southern and eastern Ontario came to light. In November 2007, the Commission initiated the Inquiry into Assaults on Asian Canadian Anglers (“Inquiry”). The Inquiry was established under the Commission’s mandate under section 29 of the Human Rights Code (“Code”). This section empowers the Commission to inquire into incidents of tension or conflict in a community, and to make recommendations and encourage and co-ordinate programs and activities to reduce or prevent such sources of tension and conflict.
The goals of the Inquiry were to learn more about the impact and systemic nature of the incidents, support those affected and refer them to appropriate resources, engage in education and public awareness about racism and racial profiling, build capacity within communities and responsible government bodies to deal with issues of tension and conflict, and identify possible solutions.
When a local Chinese-radio talk show host asked his callers about their experiences while fishing, he received four calls from people who related their experiences of having been harassed while fishing, or knew of Asian Canadians who had been harassed.
In partnership with the Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic, the Commission set up a hotline and survey to understand the nature of the problem and its impact on people in the Asian Canadian communities. The Commission’s Preliminary Findings: Inquiry into Assaults on Asian Canadian Anglers revealed stories of frightening fishing experiences. People related having experienced a range of encounters, including verbal assaults, destruction of fishing equipment, stone-throwing, and physical assault. These incidents appeared related to racism against Asian Canadians.
I have been fishing on a boat on Rice Lake from early October to mid-November for the last several years. During this month and a half, on average two times, there is a man...who would come out of his house and say out loud, the fxxking Chinese (sometime he would say the fxxking Vietnamese or the fxxking Korean) is invading his backyard.
The report also made note of 11 incidents that were reported to police in 2007, most of them involving allegations of assault. These are noted in Appendix A. One particularly devastating incident involved multiple victims and perpetrators, and left one individual in hospital for several months with severe permanent injuries. These incidents were recognized as being potential hate crimes and were investigated by the hate crimes units of various police detachments, which made several arrests. Most are still being pursued through the courts at the time of writing of this report.
These incidents had a significant impact on many people in Asian Canadian communities. The Commission heard reports of people feeling fearful of going fishing, and feeling that they needed to change their behaviour and increase their safety when engaging in activities in the community. For some, their faith in Canada’s ability to live up to values it expresses, such as multiculturalism, was undermined.
Through the Inquiry, the Commission heard that some people’s experiences of harassment or assault made them feel unwelcome in the communities where they had occurred. At the same time, the Commission heard from people living in communities across Ontario that they were fearful they or their communities were being painted as “racist”. The Commission has stated that no town or community is racist, but emphasized that all municipalities have a role to play in acknowledging and addressing incidents of racism when they occur. Everyone has an obligation to provide for an environment free from harassment and discrimination, and the actions of elected leaders, government officials and police services are critical in this regard.
From others, the Commission heard that negative sentiments and incidents of harassment of Asian Canadian anglers were related to concerns about protecting scarce natural resources. The Commission recognizes and upholds the significance of conservation of natural resources to the economic and cultural livelihoods of communities across Ontario. Everyone should obey the laws to sustain the natural environment, and people who don’t should be subjected to appropriate penalties. However, the Commission was alarmed that submissions conveying concern about protecting natural resources were often accompanied by stereotypes about Asian Canadians, portraying them as more likely than others to break fishing laws, and portraying them as “outsiders” in communities.
Human rights concerns arise when Asian Canadians are targeted for greater scrutiny, or it is assumed that because people are Asian Canadian they are fishing inappropriately. It was alarming that some people appeared to rationalize incidents of harassment and assault as the natural extension of frustrations around perceptions that Asian Canadians are more likely to fish illegally than others. Assaults or vigilantism targeting a particular group cannot be justified by raising allegations of illegal activity.
It is worthwhile to note that in all of the incidents investigated by police, there was no evidence that victims had broken any fishing regulations.
In September 2007, a racial slur referring to Asian Canadians was found spray-painted under a bridge in Hastings, Ontario. Asian Canadians were referred to as “fish thieves.”
Where tensions in communities exist because of legitimate concerns around conservation and resource protection and illegal fishing, the Commission encourages that these be resolved with a focus on community engagement, changing behaviour and holding perpetrators accountable, not on perpetuating stereotypes against a particular ethnic group.
In York Region, the York Regional Police engaged in Project Fisher, a 30-day undercover operation in which Asian Canadian police officers in plainclothes fished at night under a bridge that had been the site of several incidents. Within a few hours of setting up the operation on the first night, the officers were subjected to racial comments from several different people in passing cars.
One officer described his experience on Project Fisher: “I was fishing, and there was a pickup truck with two guys, who yelled, ‘Go home.’ My first thought was that, ‘I’m not welcome here.’ I thought this guy had a problem with me, [but] I don’t think he could tell my skin colour from where he was.” However, the officer indicated that he was fishing in an area frequented by mostly Asian Canadians.
York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge provided a strong response to the assaults by noting that “such incidents of hate have no place in this or any other community in this country.” [1]
The Commission met with 21 organizations with the goals of raising awareness about racism against Asian Canadian anglers and problem-solving around this issue. The Commission met with municipalities, government ministries, school boards, community and angling organizations and police services. The Commission obtained over 50 commitments from these organizations, and made seven commitments of its own. The commitments range from short-term projects designed to address safety issues experienced by Asian Canadian anglers, to longer-term initiatives that address issues of racism, racial profiling and hate crimes on a more widespread scale.
The Commission emphasized collective responsibility to this problem. Some communities and organizations were quick to denounce these incidents and many were eager to work with the Commission and the police on ways to prevent and respond to any further incidents of racism. These can serve as examples of “best practices” when responding to racism.
In order to fully understand the impact of this issue on Asian Canadians, it was important for the Commission to be able to respond quickly to the concerns and work in collaboration with people from the affected communities. Community engagement and outreach is a critical part of the Commission’s new mandate and its future systemic work.
In addition to partnering with the Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic to establish the Inquiry hotline, the Commission worked with the Community Reference Group, which consisted of advocates and educators from organizations serving people in Asian Canadian communities. The group has publicly raised concerns about the assaults against Asian Canadian anglers through a series of press conferences. The group worked in an advisory capacity on the Inquiry and provided regular feedback to the Commission on the issue and its impact. The Community Reference Group has developed an independent assessment of the commitments and the progress organizations have made on them. A link to the report can be found at the Commission’s web site at www.ohrc.on.ca.
[1] Tobi Cohen. “Race played role in attacks on Asian fishermen: Ontario Human Rights Commission.” Metro. (13 May, 2008).
According to York Regional Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, fishing associations and other community organizations, there were far fewer formal reports of incidents involving harassment or assault of Asian Canadian anglers since the autumn of 2007 than there had been the previous year.
The following incidents were reported to police during the 2008/2009 fishing season:
Some people, upon hearing about others’ concerns, came forward and reported incidents that happened to them previously. For example:
Just as it had in 2007, YRP set up an undercover operation to catch any individuals who harassed or assaulted any anglers. Fortunately, the 30-day operation was uneventful. In the words of one of the project’s officers:
“[Project Safe Shores’] goal was to satisfy that things were back to normal, and it gave us some feedback in that sense in that the work was done: that in fact those areas were safe for the public to use.”
Although there were fewer reported incidents during the fishing season in 2008, Commission staff did hear of informal reports of further troubling incidents, but the victims chose not to report their experiences to police. This is an indication that further work needs to be done to address barriers to reporting, including public education about hate crimes, outreach to underserviced communities, and ensuring multi-language services. Part of this response includes ensuring that victims have adequate support from community agencies if they do not want police to become involved.[2]
One person, a member of an angling organization that serves many Chinese newcomers, indicates that he experienced and witnessed multiple incidents. He provided this insight:
I feel this kind of thing hurts Asian anglers. Most people keep silent; they don’t speak up. If they don’t know English, they don’t know how to report. They are telling me instead.
Canada is a multicultural country. If they had a hotline, a police hotline, in languages other than English or French, that’s much better. Give them some way to protect themselves. Because if they don’t know English they can’t report properly.
There can be a number of reasons why there have been fewer reported incidents of hate activity against Asian Canadian anglers after the Inquiry. In general, the fishing season across Ontario in 2008 was poor, with bad weather and high gas prices forcing many people from their usual fishing spots.
However, individuals from community organizations have indicated that the combined efforts of the Inquiry, and the speedy initiatives undertaken by many organizations, particularly police, have resulted in greater awareness of this issue on the part of the general public. The extensive media coverage has helped in this regard. The Commission understands that these combined efforts have demonstrated that these incidents were taken very seriously. The Commission hopes that this in turn resulted in increased safety for anglers, increased understanding around racism, and has deterred harassing behaviour. In one person’s words:
I know last year, your organization had some talk about trying to do something. That’s why this time I reported it to the police. Otherwise I wouldn’t report. If this happened two years ago, I wouldn’t have reported it.
[2] Recommendation 34 in the Hate Crimes Community Working Group Report states, “Shift funding of community-based victim services from short-term, project-based funding, to long-term sustainable funding (OVSS, MCSCS).” Hate Crimes Community Working Group. Addressing Hate Crime in Ontario: Final Report of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group to the Attorney General and the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. (Ontario, 2006) at 93.
The progress of the commitments is contained in a chart in Appendix C.
In reporting on the progress of each organization’s commitments, the Commission considered the following questions:
Most of the organizations that participated in the Inquiry have either implemented or begun implementing their commitments. Overall, organizations have made a positive start to establishing a safety net and a response to racist incidents; however, more work needs to be done to ensure that the momentum on these initiatives continues. Government has a broad mandate to address issues affecting public safety and the public interest. All government ministries have engaged with the Commission in response to the Inquiry, with some ministries showing considerable movement in addressing these issues, and some responding more slowly. One positive example is the Ministry of Natural Resources. Its message in the 2009 fishing regulations shows an increased commitment to acknowledging the existence of racial discrimination in recreational fishing, and sends a strong message to the public that it will not be tolerated. Other ministries can add to this progress by ensuring the timely completion of their commitments, and ensuring that anti-discrimination and anti-racism initiatives continue to be integrated into their ongoing work.
In addition, some organizations have begun to foster or consolidate partnerships around issues of anti-racism and/or hate activity. For example, greater links and ties have been made between the OPP and the YRP around reported incidents of hate activity and responses to the angler inquiry. Race relations committees and hate crimes committees in Peterborough and York region are working with police, government representatives (MAG and MNR) and educators on future initiatives.
The following are examples of some organizations’ comprehensive responses to the issue:
Example #1:
City of Kawartha Lakes
Example #2:
Town of Georgina
Example #3:
York Regional Police
Since the Inquiry, the YRP has engaged in additional initiatives, including:
The Ontario Provincial Police has also made some distinct contributions, including incorporating examples of the angler incidents into its hate crimes investigation training to all front-line officers. The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board also quickly reacted to the Inquiry by arranging for sessions on hate crimes in schools prior to the end of the school year in 2008. The Peterborough Race Relations Committee, although not asked to provide commitments, demonstrated a high degree of responsiveness to this issue by holding press conferences and facilitating a community coalition.
All of these initiatives represent the beginning of a more coordinated response to hate activity and discrimination in and across communities.
The Commission applauds the many organizations that took immediate steps and established plans for action in response to a very tight time frame, particularly in response to longer-term or more systemic initiatives. Further Commission comments or recommendations about the status of the commitments are outlined in Appendix C.
The Commission’s last report, Fishing Without Fear, discussed the importance of naming racism. Because of the great stigma that is attached to allegations of racism, there is a tendency to deny its existence.[4] Similarly, with respect to implementing anti-racism initiatives on an organizational level, some organizations appeared to have difficulty maintaining a focus on anti-racism as part of their implementation plan. It is important that organizations focus on realistic, well-thought out anti-racist strategies that are well-resourced and can be evaluated and monitored to determine their impact.
Because of the widespread tendency to deny racism in society, without the organizational commitment and resources to see them through, even well-meaning anti-racism initiatives can fall off the agenda. In general, initiatives that are vaguely worded, half-implemented, under-resourced, without adequate representation or consultation with people from racialized communities, or focus only on the goal of “diversity” as opposed to anti-racism, may be unlikely to achieve the goal of addressing discrimination.[5]
The Commission is available to all organizations involved in the Inquiry to help them clarify their goals and projects to ensure that their commitments embody meaningful forward-looking initiatives that address the overall goals of eliminating racism and discrimination.
It is also worthwhile to note that the commitments recommended through the Inquiry were put forward to quickly respond to a series of serious incidents, and to help organizations start to address broader issues of racism within the public sphere. They do not provide a comprehensive provincial framework to address all hate activity. Instead, this is emphasized by the Hate Crimes Community Working Group in their 2006 report submitted to the provincial government.[6] The Commission encourages the provincial government to continue to implement fully the multiple recommendations from the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report to promote substantial change around hate crimes.
Another notable report released in 2008, the Review of the Roots of Youth Violence Report, by the Honourable Roy McMurtry and Dr. Alvin Curling, further reinforces Ontario’s need to address individual and institutional racism. Because of the alienating and self-esteem eroding nature of racism, the authors link it to other risk factors for youth violence, along with poverty, issues in the education system and other factors.
[3] An anti-racist organization is not one in which racism is absent. Rather, it takes a proactive stand against racism in all its forms. It is oppositional in nature and addresses racism at both the organizational and individual levels. Commitment in anti-racist organizations is based on an acknowledgement that racism exists, that it manifests itself in various forms at the individual, institutional and systemic levels, and that it is embedded in the mass culture of the dominant group. An anti-racist perspective begins by accepting that the perceptions of [racialized persons] are real and that there may be a multiplicity of realities in any one event. Carol Tator, Francis Henry & Winston Mattis, et al, The Colour of Democracy: Racism in Canadian Society. 2nd ed. (Toronto, ON: Nelson, 1998), at 378-379.
[4] Ontario Human Rights Commission, Policy and Guidelines on Racism and Racial Discrimination, (Toronto: Queen’s Printer, 2005) at s.2.2.1, also available online at www.ohrc.on.ca.
[5] Tator, et al. write that resistance to anti-racism initiatives takes many forms, among them: reluctance to create an anti-racist vision, lack of commitment, inadequate policies, inadequate training, lack of representation, ineffective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, tokenism, insufficient resources, lack of organizational accountability, and deceptive dominant discourses, supra note 3, at 356. For example, with respect to training initiatives, as is noted in the Commission’s Policy and Guidelines on Racism and Racial Discrimination, training (or other initiatives) that emphasise “cultural sensitivity”, “race awareness” or “tolerance” does not lead to meaningful change because they fail to address the dynamics of racism and attributes racial discrimination to cultural misunderstandings, supra note 4 at s.7.3.1.
[6] Hate Crimes Community Working Group, supra note 2.
Overall, since the Inquiry began in November 2007, the Commission has seen an increase in dialogue about hate activity and awareness of racial profiling around the issue of assaults against Asian Canadian anglers. The Commission has also seen a heightened response to this issue by many organizations. Perhaps in part due to these efforts, the number of reported assaults and incidents involving Asian Canadian anglers has decreased substantially this year.
With heightened understanding around this issue comes increased awareness of the gaps in the system when it comes to responding to hate activity and discrimination. Still troubling is the negative sentiment the Commission heard from some individuals about Asian Canadians taking part in recreational fishing, or in community life.
There are still major gaps relating to institutional responses to hate crimes. Although these are being improved upon through implementation of many of the recommendations of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group, there are still limitations within Ontario’s criminal justice system and social service network to truly be able to address the nature of hate crimes and be able to provide support to victims and accountability for perpetrators. For example, there continues to be a limited patchwork of services available to support victims of hate crime, and difficulties documenting hate crimes on a consistent basis. There continues to be a lack of general awareness and understanding of hate crimes on the part of the public, necessitating a continued focus long past the completion of this Inquiry.
These gaps make continued public messaging around hate crimes all that more important. Through the Inquiry, the Commission learned that many people are largely unaware of who to call to get help, and that people still experience barriers to reporting experiences of harassment or assault to police. The Commission has learned that language barriers were one major obstacle to reporting for people who speak English as a second language. Although the Commission tried to canvass the public as much as possible about incidents of racism and hate against Asian Canadian anglers, it is aware that there are likely many more incidents that remain unreported. It is encouraging, however, to see some organizations prioritizing community engagement as a way to increase trust with affected communities, provide a forum where these issues can be discussed, and raise understanding of the nature of hate activity and discrimination.
The Commission encourages people to call police if they feel they have been a victim of a hate crime or hate activity. Police departments should have access to specialists with knowledge and expertise on hate crimes that can assist in identifying and investigating these incidents. Appendix B includes a list of resources that individuals can access for more information about hate crimes.
With an increasingly diverse society, there is a need for all cities and towns across Ontario to acknowledge the experiences and provide support for victims of discrimination and hate activity. Strong messages on the part of community and organization leaders are one step; commitment to rooting out racism by implementing anti-racism initiatives is another. The relative lack of awareness around this issue underscores the need for all organizations to take strong ongoing stands against hate activity and racial discrimination, and for the province to continue its efforts to facilitate a comprehensive and coordinated response.
The Coalition of Municipalities against Racism and Discrimination is an example of a framework that municipalities can adopt to guide their anti-racism initiatives. The Commission encourages other municipalities to join this network and carry out its goals as one demonstration of their commitment to ongoing anti-racism work.
With the completion of the Inquiry, the Commission will continue to pursue the various projects it has committed to undertaking, such as developing a social marketing campaign and assisting others, where necessary, to complete their commitments. In its future work under its new mandate, the Commission will be available to provide guidance to organizations, municipalities and ministries to relieve tension where it is related to allegations of racism or other human rights-related issues.
It is up to both government and non-government agencies to continue to implement their commitments as Ontario heads into the 2009 spring fishing season. As all organizations have the responsibility to uphold human rights and combat discrimination, the Commission hopes that this Inquiry has been a catalyst for change, in that organizations are better able to understand the nature of racial profiling and remain committed to taking concrete steps to eliminate and prevent it.
The Commission expects that continued progress on all of these initiatives will result in a peaceful and enjoyable season in which everyone can fish without fear.
During the summer and fall of 2007, a number of serious incidents were reported to the authorities regarding assaults targeting Asian Canadian anglers in southern and central Ontario:
Charges were laid in a number of these incidents.
Dial 911 Emergency for Police, Fire, Ambulance
Ontario Provincial Police
www.opp.ca
Tel: 1-888-310-1122
Crime stoppers
www.ontariocrimestoppers.com
1-800-222-8477
African Canadian Legal Clinic
www.aclc.net
Tel: 416-214-4747 Toll Free: 1-888-377-0033
Anti-Black Hate Crime Tool Kit available
Canadian Arab Federation
www.caf.ca
Tel: 416-493-8635 Toll Free: 1-866-886-4675
Chinese Canadian National Council
www.ccnc.ca
Tel: 416-977-9871
Council of Agencies Serving South Asians
www.cassa.on.ca
Tel: 416-932-1359
League for Human Rights – B’nai Brith Canada
www.bnaibrith.ca
Anti-Hate Hotline: Tel: 416-633-3692
Toll Free: 1-800-892-2624
Metro Toronto Chinese and South East Asian Legal Clinic
www.csealegalclinic.org
Tel: 416-971-9674
South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario
www.salc.on.ca
Tel: 416-487-6371
The 519 Church Street Community Centre
www.the519.org
Bashing Report Line for victims & witnesses of homophobic assault Tel: 416-392-6877
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
www.awhl.org
Tel: 416-863-0511 Toll Free: 1-863-0511 TTY Toll Free: 1-866-863-7868
Offers support in 25 languages
National Anti-Racism Council of Canada
www.notohate.ca
Tel: 416-979-3909
Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services
www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about/vw/vcars.asp
Tel: 416-314-2447 Toll Free: 1-888-579-2888
Citizen Protection Project
www.hamiltonsafehaven.org
Tel: 905-546-2424
Settlement and Integration Services Organization
www.hatecrimes.ca
Tel: 905-667-7476 Toll Free: 1-877-255-8136
Ottawa Police Service G.L.B.T. Liaison Committee
www.glbt.ottawapolice.ca
Tel: 613-230-6211
Women’s Community House – London
www.shelterlondon.org
24-hour crisis line
Tel: 519-642-3000 Toll Free: 1-800-265-1576
Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital
Community Crisis Centre, 24h crisis line
www.hdgh.org
Tel: 519-973-4435
Commitments Proposed |
1. In the Immigration Committee’s research on best practices for creating “welcoming communities,” incorporate research on how communities can address racism and hate activity 2. Highlight, at a conference, how some communities have dealt with incidents of racism proactively, using the Asian Canadian Angler example |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will include issues relating to racism, cultural sensitivity, discrimination and hate as a component of its research, among a broad range of issues 2. Will discuss, at a conference workshop on “welcoming communities,” how one community responded to discrimination and a hate-motivated incident, using the angler incidents as an example |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. Draft paper on welcoming immigrants makes reference to cross cultural and race relations programs and cites the incidents involving Asian Canadian Anglers. Provided presentations to organizations on the paper and the role of municipalities in addressing immigration. 2. At its annual conference, AMO hosted a session at which the Peterborough Race Relations Committee presented a presentation on its community response to the angler incidents |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Allow for further research on the areas of racism, discrimination and hate when examining the barriers to integration for newcomers. 2. Facilitate further opportunities for municipalities to learn from each other when responding to hate or discrimination. E.g. Facilitate learning around the work of the Town of Georgina’s proposed protocol to address hate activity. |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Join CMARD (Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination) 2. Place a statement on the town website with respect to the incidents. Provide a strong message that racism is not tolerated |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will propose CMARD to City Council 2. Will place a statement on the town website referencing the incidents and condemning racism and discrimination 3. Will provide a statement/editorial to Asian language media at the beginning of the fishing season, promoting Kawartha Lakes as a welcoming community, and identifying that discrimination is something that is dealt with seriously 4. Will work with the OPP to identify the issues, and ask for greater presence in the community 5. Will obtain information about funding for local initiatives at community agencies, potentially for initiatives involving youth |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. The City of Kawartha Lakes has passed a motion to become a member of CMARD |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Contact the Commission for any further assistance in completing the goals under CMARD. |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Join CMARD 2. Place a statement on the town website with respect to the incidents. Provide a strong message that racism is not tolerated |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will take a report forward to Council supporting a Local Immigration Partnership Council |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. Has passed a motion to support the new Canadian Centre’s creation of a Local Immigration Partnership Council to strengthen the role of local and regional communities in serving and integrating immigrants. The planned strategy includes a focus on:
|
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Continue supporting anti-racism work taking a strong stand on issues of racism. |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Join CMARD 2. Place a statement on the town website with respect to the incidents. Provide a strong message that racism is not tolerated |
Agreements Reached |
No commitments obtained |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. Has posted a “Statement of Community Interest” on its website, which condemns any and all discrimination on the basis of race, religion and age. |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Work with Asian Canadian angling groups, local residents and police to ensure that everyone feels welcome to fish in Westport. |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Join CMARD 2. Place a statement on the town website with respect to the incidents. Provide a strong message that racism is not tolerated 3. Establish a race relations committee |
Agreements Reached |
1. Established the Georgina Equity and Diversity Committee |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. On May 29, 2008, the town of Georgina passed a motion to join CMARD The Georgina Equity and Diversity Committee has planned the following:
|
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. When completed, consider sharing the protocol on how to respond to incidents of discrimination with the Commission, other communities, CMARD, and AMO. 2. Contact the Commission for any further assistance in completing the goals regarding CMARD. |
Commitments Proposed |
The Commission and YRP discussed: 1. Further opportunities for public education about hate crimes, particularly against Asian Canadian people 2. Increased accessibility to police services in languages other than English or French |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will integrate examples of the Asian Canadian angler incident into the public education curriculum on hate crimes, which is directed at youth |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. Between April and June 2008, school safety officers talked about the assaults on Asian Canadian anglers in elementary and 2 high schools 2. YRP will continue giving presentations on this material 3. Media releases are provided in different languages 4. When doing presentations with angler associations, the YRP highlights the multilingual hotline people can call 5. Examples of the angler incidents were incorporated into the annual recertification hate crime training for all police officers. Since the Angler inquiry, these other initiatives were undertaken: 1. YRP put together the Hate Crimes Community Working Group to serve in an advisory capacity to YRP. Representatives include members of the communities most vulnerable to hate: Jewish, Chinese, Muslim, LGBT, Black, and First Nations communities, and also includes an Assistant Crown Attorney. 2. A poster, entitled "Fish Without Fear" was developed jointly with the OPP. The poster focused on fishing and hate crimes. It was posted in various regions. 3. Project Fisher continued this year. There were no other incidents of physical or verbal harassment reported this year 4. Since the Inquiry started, the YRP has been building a close partnership with the OPP Hate Crimes unit to liaise around general checks for hate crimes in the area 5. YRP have initiated the practice that whenever there is a suspected hate crime that has occurred in the region, community leaders are contacted to advise them of this 6. In November, YRP is hosting a workshop for police on hate crimes. The community impact of the assaults on anglers will be explored. 7. YRP is sitting as a member on the newly formed race relations committee in Newmarket 8. YRP's Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau has been restructured such that a hate crimes investigator will now be assigned to the unit. This will give the unit a capacity to investigate systemic hate crimes (like the angler incidents), in addition to monitoring them. 9. YRP is maintaining its contacts with communities by reaching out to angling organizations 10. YRP is a member of the Intercultural friendship committee, along with the OPP and RCMP. This committee is ramping up efforts to urge communities across Ontario to declare themselves "diverse communities" Initiatives still to be completed 1. Speaking to parent councils about the issue. This may be done in conjunction with members of the Hate Crimes Police Advisory Group 2. A brochure on fishing and assaults was initiated and will be completed in time for Spring 2009 fishing season |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Continue to identify ways in which to educate the public that they can report hate activity to police in multiple languages. Continue to work on breaking down barriers to reporting. 2. Send completed fishing brochure to other police agencies and CMARD. |
Commitments Proposed |
The Commission and OPP discussed: 1. Further opportunities for public education about hate crimes, particularly against Asian Canadian people 2. Increased accessibility to police services in languages other than English or French |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will enhance hate crimes training provided to officers by having experts in hate crimes come to teach components of the criminal investigation course at the OPP academy. The Hate Crimes Unit will speak to the Ontario Police College to identify opportunities to enhance their curriculum in this area |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. The Hate Crime/Extremism Unit (HCEU) is currently conducting presentations to front-line police officers on the following OPP courses: General Investigative Course, Criminal Interdiction Course, and Internet Exploitation Course. The angler incidents are referenced in these presentations. The OPP has also spoken to the OPC about this issue, which is creating a video for recruits on hate crimes. 2. The Hate Crime Liaison Officers Program is in its fourth quarter - approximately 72 front line police officers representing OPP Administrative Detachments across the Province identify and assist in hate crime related investigations. Although the program is in its first year and still being evaluated, it has successfully resulted in the OPP being notified of more hate crimes. 3. The HCEU educated 1500 secondary school students on hate crimes at three separate presentations in Peterborough. 7. The HCEU continues to conduct presentations to community groups, justice partners and other stakeholders. 8. Hate incidents and hate crimes are being tracked through unified crime reporting statistics. The categories are specific to sexual orientation, race, etc. Initiatives still to be completed: A brochure on fishing and assaults was initiated and will be completed in time for Spring 2009 fishing season (with YRP) |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Continue to increase enforcement in affected areas during the next fishing season. 2. Continue to identify ways in which to educate the public that they can report hate activity to police in multiple languages. Continue to work on breaking down barriers to reporting. 3. Send completed fishing brochure to other police agencies and CMARD. 4. Ensure other police departments can benefit from the front line training hate crime video |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Provide training to enforcement officers to create an understanding of racial profiling, and to know how to respond to individuals who make complaints based on race 2. Consider if sanctions could be imposed on people who are reported as harassing anglers based on race and other Code grounds 3. Work collectively with police to coordinate MNR enforcement presence in communities, releasing notifications about any assaults, and providing information about where to call if assaults happen 4. Place a message on the MNR website welcoming people back to fishing season and providing a strong message with respect to discrimination, indicating that poaching/illegal fishing is not attributable to one community 5. Work collectively with anglers' organizations and community race relations committees to engage in public education initiatives to combat assumptions about illegal fishing |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will provide training to conservation officers on how to respond to racial profiling when responding to complaints based on race. Will incorporate the angler incidents as a training example. MNR will work with OHRC to provide an overview of the topic of racial profiling, even though the Commission has not heard of any complaints of racial profiling made against MNR officers |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. MNR has been working with the OHRC on creating a training program for conservation officers on racial profiling, and responding to complaints based on race. These will be part of the conservation officer annual re-certification process as of February 2009, and all existing officers will receive this training by December 2009. Will incorporate the angler incidents as a training example. This training will become mandatory for all new conservation officers. Partially complete. 2. In areas in which incidents occurred, MNR worked and continues to work with police to coordinate marine and other patrols. MNR Conservation Officers will continue to advise public to contact 911 in the event assaults occur or are witnessed. Complete. 4. Communications regarding the fishing regulations were developed. MNR will participate in a process led by the Ministry of the Attorney General to work with the OHRC on a communications plan to address discrimination issues. MNR will be including the following messaging in the 2009 Fishing Regulation Summary: “Racial discrimination has no place in Ontario. All anglers need to conduct themselves in a responsible and respectful manner. If you see an incident of harassment or assault, please contact the OPP or local police. More information on this is available at the Ontario Human Rights Commission website at www.ohrc.on.ca” 5. MNR participated in a public awareness event hosted by York Regional Police in the Town of Georgina on June 8, 2008, an annual meeting of the Ontario Chinese Anglers association and at a meeting in Westport. 6. Will continue community outreach and public education (e.g. Conservation officers attending community or other special events) programs. Ongoing. |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Continue working with OHRC staff on the racial profiling training program. 2. OHRC encourages MNR to increase its presence in affected areas and specifically collect information on complaints made to conservation officers about anglers and hunters feeling unsafe or harassed (on the basis of race or any other ground) in order to coordinate activities with police 3. OHRC encourages MNR’s commitment to the OPS Diversity strategy and it will continue to explore ways to develop diversity to attract individuals from under-represented groups. OHRC supports MNR’s work toward further recruitment and promotion of people from racialized communities, including people who have multiple language skills 4. OHRC would like to meet to talk about a communication plan. Anti-racism and anti-discrimination messaging is a good start. It is important that the public also sees that MNR clearly identifies that no one community is wholly responsible for poaching. |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Define the ongoing leadership position that the Minister and the Ministry could take on this issue on a government corporate level with the following goals in mind: a) Promote and report on the government’s commitments and results with respect to the Inquiry 2. Develop a communications strategy for release at the start of the fishing season (spring 2008), in which the incidents and reported assaults are acknowledged and condemned as a form of racism and hate activity 3. Work to ensure that future Ministry of Citizenship immigration initiatives or joint partnerships with Citizenship and Canada include components that address racism and discriminatory barriers to integration and employment 4. Commit to working with the Attorney General and local immigrant and settlement agencies on initiatives to combat discrimination/hate crimes |
Agreements Reached |
1. The Ministry will work collaboratively within the OPS on a corporate approach including: a. MCI will work with other ministries identified in Inquiry in a coordinated approach to address the results with respect to the Inquiry b. The Ministry will continue to work at a variety of program and policy levels within its mandate to ensure that racial diversity and equity are respected both within government and with other stakeholders. c. The Ministry has offered to initiate a dialogue with the OHRC on racial profiling to better understand the specific intention of this commitment. d. The Ministry will continue to engage in public awareness and education concerning racial diversity in the context of the Ministry’s mandate. 2. The Ministry will work with MNR and other ministries on a communications strategy related to the incidents of racially motivated assaults. |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1b. Ongoing. MCI’s Ontario’s Community Builders (OCB) program provides funding for projects and welcomes applications that work towards “reducing racism and discrimination”. Some of the sector development projects funded under MCI’s Newcomer Settlement Program focus on anti-racism and engagement of community organizations in promoting dialogue about diversity. MCI is exploring issues related to “Canadian experience” and potentially developing tools and initiatives aimed at employers. More clarification on this is needed. 1c. Progress on this issue unclear. 1d. Ongoing. MCI will maintain its awards program to recognize the achievements of those who have welcomed newcomers. 2. MNR is the lead on this issue. No indication of partnership with Ministry of Citizenship on this initiative. 3. The Ontario Community Builders’ Program Guidelines 2008-2009 include a clause indicating that in order to be eligible for funding, organizations must comply with Ontario’s Human Rights Code. In addition, organization assessment criteria include the “existence and use of policies and procedures which value diversity, inclusion, access and equity for all community members”. Similar grant eligibility criteria will be included in the guidelines for the Newcomer Settlement Program 2009-2010. Complete. |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1b. MCI indicates that it is funding initiatives that combat racism. MCI would benefit from MCI communicating to OHRC and the public a better connection between funding these grants and outcomes seen in the community around eliminating racism. The Commission will still be interested in hearing about future initiatives arising from the Inquiry that will work with employers regarding removing barriers for foreign-trained professionals 3. In next year’s grant criteria
4b. Once the outcomes of the grant on anti-racism have been demonstrated, establish a plan to disseminate this information to other agencies |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Define leadership on this issue by making the implementation of the recommendations of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group Report a priority within the Ministry 2. Make funding available on an annualized basis to support appropriate community-based services for hate crime victims. Commit to working with other Ministries on initiatives to assist victims 4. Ensure that all Crown attorneys in all regions are trained to identify hate crimes and proceed appropriately. Use the angler incidents as a training example 6. Have MAG representatives sit on community Race Relations committees, where appropriate, to understand the barriers that prevent reporting to police and accessing victim services 8. Work with OHRC (and MCSCS) to produce information and resources for the public on victims’ rights, and processes and procedures for reporting and responding to hate crimes in appropriate languages (Rec. 7.3 of HCCWG report) 9. Work with the OHRC (and MCSCS) to undertake an examination of media coverage with respect to the role that can be played by media bodies to educate and sensitize the public to hate activity (Rec. 7.4 of HCCWG report) 10. Amend O.Reg.456/96 to ensure any person convicted of a hate crime is liable, pursuant to Section 3 of the Victims’ Bill of Rights, to his or her victim for emotional distress/bodily harm resulting from the crime, and introduce legislation to provide that the Victims’ Bill of Rights ensures that all victims of hate crime are presumed to have suffered emotional distress (Rec. 6.7 of HCCWG report) |
Agreements Reached |
1. MAG indicated that leadership is being taken on this issue through the creation and coordination of an interministerial committee to implement the recommendations of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group (HCCWG) 2. Ministry staff are participating in meetings with staff from Ministry of Citizenship and Ministry of Natural Resources to respond to the Asian Canadian Anglers issue 3. The Ministry is assessing the results and success of hate crimes initiatives to determine the appropriate scope for community based grant programs 4. Will be training more Crown Attorneys on hate crime issues 5. Will commit to MAG representation on community race relations committees where appropriate 6. Will review recommendation 6.7 from the HCCWG report 7. Will work closely with OHRC staff, where helpful, on a social marketing campaign, producing information/resources on victims’ rights, and the roles of media bodies |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. Although the 18-month mandate of the Hate Crimes Review and Implementation Project is complete, an anti-hate crime interministerial committee continues to work on this broad topic. 2. Ministry staff coordinated the broader government’s response to Angler Inquiry. At a meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Deputy Ministers of Justice in June of 2007, in response to the recommendations made by the Hate Crimes Community Working Group in their report, Ontario submitted a paper and requested that officials examine options for enhancing the status of hate crimes within the Criminal Code of Canada. The Deputy Ministers agreed to Ontario's request, and Ontario will continue to highlight the importance of this issue. 3. MAG is working with the 23 recipients Community Hate Crimes Response Grants. One grant funded a Community Alliance Forum in November 2008 to bring together justice professionals, victims, community representatives, service providers, the media and youth to discuss ways to address hate crime. Another grant funded the creation of a website www.notohate.ca to increase awareness of hate crimes and establish links to better address hate. The Ontario Victim Services Secretariat will continue its review of its programs and services to increase access and improve responsiveness to communities affected by hate. There has been an increase in annualized funding to victims organizations. OVSS will continue to work with those organizations to address service needs of victims of hate crimes. 4. The Criminal Law Division has trained hate crime specialists in the Crown Law Office-Criminal and in each of its six regions. The Criminal Law Division is currently planning training in hate crime prosecutions for approximately 70 Crowns from the Crown Law Office-Criminal and across the province. Ongoing. 5. Through the Ontario Victim Services Secretariat, MAG has a representative on York Region’s police advisory committee on hate crimes. Ongoing. 6. MAG is reviewing whether to include hate crimes under the Victims' Bill of Rights. 7. MAG and the OHRC have engaged in initial talks to partner on a large-scale social marketing campaign focused on hate and bias-related incidents in everyday life and accompanying resources. Ongoing. Work is continuing regarding:
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OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Consider sustained funding for agencies that address issues of hate crime and assist victims. 2. The Commission would like to hear the results of the review of OVSS programs and services and areas where initiatives will be implemented to improve services to benefit victims of hate crimes 3. Inform the public where projects (e.g. the Community victim impact statement, central clearinghouse) have provincial implications and will be expanded across the province 4. Continue to identify where MAG can provide representation on race relations and other advisory committees on hate crimes 5. Continue to advocate for changes in definitions in the Criminal Code to enhance protection for people who experience hate activity and hate-motivated offences. 6. Continue to liaise with the Commission about the progress of the hate crimes community work recommendations. 7. Ensure that victims of hate are aware of victim services that exist and their options under the law. 8. Ensure that statistics are collected by the courts with respect to the disposition of offences that have been identified as being hate-related. |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Recommendation 6.11 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:
2. Recommendation 6.12 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:
3. Recommendation 6.27 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:
4. Recommendation 7.1 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:
5. Recommendation 7.3 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:
6. Recommendation 7.4 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:
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Agreements Reached |
1. MCSCS is in the process of establishing a Police Stakeholder Working Group to further review and respond to recommendations of the HCCWG report that affect policing. The working group is expected to meet in the next month 2. The working group will consider any proposed changes to the Ministry guidelines dealing with hate/bias crime and hate propaganda through the Policing Standards Advisory committee 3. The working group will review recommendation 6.27. MCSCS will remind police services without hate crimes units that they can access the OPP Hate Crimes Liaison Officer program |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. The Ministry has established the Police Stakeholder Working Hate Crimes Working Group (PSHCWG). As of January 2009, the PSHCWG had two meetings and drafted a project plan to manage the review of recommendations made by the Hate Crimes Community Working Group 2. The PSHCWG is looking at the possibility of developing a consistent working definition of hate crime, barring changes to the Criminal Code of Canada. The PSHCWG has also drafted questions for an environmental scan to help identify best practices that could be shared, training requirements, and opportunities for change or improvement. 3. This recommendation was raised with the working group and is being discussed. |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. The Commission would like to hear the progress made on each of the items mentioned in the angler report, with a particular focus on ensuring access to police services, reviewing and amending police protocols, creating reliable methods to collect information on hate crimes, and engaging communities |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Develop and enhance curricula in consultation with people from Code-protected communities that will address issues of overt and systemic discrimination and provide students with the knowledge, resources and skills to recognize and confront hate and hate-related bullying (recommendation 4.2 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group Report) 2. Ensure that curricula for school boards in affected areas include a component on hate-related incidents and discrimination specifically pertaining to the experience of Asian Canadians and Asian Canadian anglers |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will work with school boards in affected areas to develop teaching and resource materials around racism and hate activity using the angler incidents as an example. 3. Further consideration will be given to engagement of community groups in the curriculum review process |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1 & 2. EDU began working with Boards in May and June 2008 to develop resources to support teachers in grades 1, 5, 8, 10, 12 in incorporating Asian Canadian angler examples into the curriculum, as appropriate. This will be rolled out and reviewed during the curriculum review process in fall 2009. Ongoing. 3. In July 2008, writing teams were engaged to begin development of draft courses in Equity Studies, Gender Studies and World Cultures. Antiracist Multicultural Education Network of Ontario is represented on the writing team, in addition to educators with background and experience in equity and anti-discrimination education. Draft Equity Studies courses were available for review and consultation in the late Fall and will continue until February 23, 2009 as part of the curriculum review process. The draft Gender studies course is being piloted in three sites beginning in February 2009, and will provide opportunities for gathering feedback. The World Cultures course is undergoing further development in summer 2009. Ongoing |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Commission staff appreciates the opportunity to review the two draft Equity courses and the draft case study on Asian Canadian anglers and provide input for consideration 2. Continue to identify how all Boards of Education can become involved in the curriculum development process regarding the angler incidents and hate crimes 3. Continue to identify how racialized community groups will be engaged in the curriculum review process |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Invite the OPP into schools to provide education about stereotypes, hate crimes and the angler incidents 2. Provide training for teachers on anti-racism and anti-discrimination |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will invite the OPP into schools to provide education sessions on this issue 2. Will provide training for teachers on anti-racism and anti-discrimination |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. OPP came and did a presentation on hate crimes to approximately 20 students in Peterborough. |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Continue to educate students on the issue of hate crimes and the angler incidents as needs arise 2. Continue to provide teacher training around anti-racism and anti-discrimination as needed |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Take part in community race relations committees |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will work with boards/Ministry of Ed to develop teaching and resource materials around racism and hate activity, using the angler incidents as an example |
Progress as of March 2009 |
2. YRDSB had the York Regional Police Department provide presentations on the Angler assaults Has incorporated the issue as part of the Board’s “Character Matters” work The Board has worked on cultural proficiency to educate students, staff and parents around sensitivity to cultures
To be completed: |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. To Be Completed: Participate in the development of curriculum with the Ministry of Education. 2. Continue to educate students on the issue of hate crimes and the angler incidents as needs arise. |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Take part in community race relations committees 2. Invite the YRP into schools to talk about stereotypes, hate crimes and the angler incidents |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will work with boards/Ministry of Ed to develop teaching and resource materials around racism and hate activity, using the angler incidents as an example 2. Will continue to work with the YRP in the area of hate crimes and will provide opportunities at schools to address the issue. |
Progress as of March 2009 |
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OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Participate in the development of the curriculum with the Ministry of Ed. |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Take part in community race relations committees 2. Invite the OPP into schools to talk about stereotypes, hate crimes and the angler incidents |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will work with boards/Ministry of Ed to develop teaching and resource materials around racism and hate activity, using the angler incidents as an example |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. The Board will implement education example from Ministry of Ed when it is developed 2. All secondary schools in the Board received sessions on hate crimes and the angler incidents from the Board’s police partners in June 2008. Letters about the project were sent home to parents. |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Continue to educate students on the issues of hate crimes and the angler incidents as needs arise |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Take part in community race relations committees 2. Invite the OPP into schools to talk about stereotypes, hate crimes and the angler incidents |
Agreements Reached |
1. When developed, will implement teaching and resource materials around racism and hate activity, using the angler incidents as an example |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. Has not yet received teaching and resource materials from Min of Ed regarding hate crimes 2. OPP did presentations on hate crimes in some schools in Peterborough county |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Continue to educate students on issues of hate crimes and the angler incidents as needs arise |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Take part in community race relations committees 2. Invite the OPP into schools to talk about stereotypes, hate crimes and the angler incidents |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will work with boards/Ministry of Ed to develop teaching and resource materials around racism and hate activity, using the angler incidents as an example, and will introduce this issue to the school senate |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. Has engaged in preliminary talks with the Ministry of Ed regarding their integration of this issue in the curriculum Initiatives to be completed:
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OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Continue to educate students on the issue of hate crimes and the angler incidents as needs arise. 2. Participate in the development of the curriculum with the Ministry of Education. |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Take part in community race relations committees 2. Invite the OPP into schools to talk about stereotypes, hate crimes and the angler incidents |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will work with boards/Ministry of Ed to develop teaching and resource materials around racism and hate activity, using the angler incidents as an example, and will pilot this example in an upcoming meeting with principals and VPs 2. Will work with police in the area of hate crimes and will provide opportunities at schools to address the issue. |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. Has not yet received teaching and resource materials from Min of Ed regarding hate crimes 2. Board intends to do this in the 2008-2009 school year. |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Continue to educate students on the issue of hate crimes and the angler incidents as needs arise. 2. Participate in the development of curriculum with the Ministry of Education. |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Engage in public education initiatives to combat stereotypes about Asian Canadian anglers and clarify misunderstandings about legal and illegal fishing 2. Issue a notice on the web site at the beginning of fishing season about the assaults, condemning racism, and identifying support services for anglers who experience discrimination or assault |
Agreements Reached |
1. OFAH has facilitated contact between the Commission and the editor of Ontario Out of Doors magazine for publication of materials related to the angler incidents |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. On May 14, 2008, OFAH released a statement on its website, calling for more enforcement of the harassment provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act so everyone, regardless of race, can remain safe while fishing. |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Engage with anglers and the public to promote safety, and counter racial stereotyping, particularly around illegal fishing. |
Commitments Proposed |
1. Engage in community initiatives (e.g. with the Race Relations committee of Peterborough) that (a) Combat stereotypes that Asian Canadians are more likely to fish illegally than people in other communities (b) Work to increase the safety and support for Asian Canadians who may be victims of discrimination and/or hate activity |
Agreements Reached |
1. Will post a message on the web site about the seriousness of the incidents, and directing people where to call for help if they experience racism, assault, or harassment |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1. Has not posted a message on the web site to call police if people experience assault |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Fulfill commitment as identified 2. Refer any incidents of harassment of anglers to the OHRC or to police |
Commitments Proposed |
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Agreements Reached |
OHRC will work with MAG and MCSCS and others to find ways to address the recommendations in the HCCWG report, including: 1. Rec. 7.1:Work with MAG & MCSCS on a large scale social marketing campaign focused on hate and bias-related incidents in everyday life 2. Rec. 7.3: Work with MAG & MCSCS to produce information and resources for the public on victims’ rights, and processes and procedures for reporting and responding to hate crimes in appropriate languages 3. Rec. 7.4: Work with MAG & MCSCS to undertake an examination of media coverage with respect to the role that can be played by media bodies to educate and sensitize the public to hate activity 4. Will assist MNR in delivering training on racial profiling, & in developing materials on anti-racism 5. Will provide an editorial to OFAH for submission to Ontario Out of Doors and work with them on their message about these incidents 6. Will provide guidance to Boards of Ed to develop case study, and provide training on racial profiling, where requested 7. Over the 2008 fishing season, will monitor reports of any similar incidents, and will support organizations with fulfilling their commitments. Will share information on the progress throughout the year. |
Progress as of March 2009 |
1, 2, 3. OHRC has initiated talks with MAG and MCSCS about the development of a social marketing campaign 4. Is assisting MNR in developing training materials on racial profiling and anti-racism 5. A letter to the Editor by Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall was published in Ontario Out of Doors in August 2008. 6. Min of Ed will provide OHRC with its materials for consultation on developing a case study. OHRC staff has provided presentations on anti-racism education to the Conseil Scolaire de District Catholique Centre – Sud 7. OHRC has monitored reports of any similar incidents and has offered to support organizations in fulfilling their commitments. |
OHRC Proposed Next Steps |
1. Continue supporting other organizations in fulfilling their commitments. 2. Continue implementing OHRC commitments. |