PM Carney convened a critical meeting with Jewish community leaders

Yesterday, Prime Minister Mark Carney convened a critical meeting with Jewish community leaders from major cities across Canada, including Winnipeg, Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal. The primary objective of this gathering was to tackle the escalating issue of antisemitism in Canada, which has been manifesting in various forms of harassment and violence against Jewish individuals in places of worship, educational institutions, and public areas.

During the meeting, community leaders shared poignant personal experiences and accounts of the challenges faced by their communities. They expressed deep concern over the growing trend of exclusion of Jewish Canadians from cultural celebrations and public events, which has resulted in a sense of insecurity among community members, particularly with regard to the safety of their children. The leaders emphasized the need for urgent action to address this issue and ensure the well-being of Jewish communities across the country.

Prime Minister Carney unequivocally condemned the rise of antisemitism in Canada, emphasizing that the right to basic security is fundamental to all individuals. He highlighted the alarming increase in hate crimes, with a staggering 70% of police-reported religious hate crimes in 2024 targeting Jewish communities. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government's commitment to safeguarding the rights of all Canadians and outlined a comprehensive plan to combat hate and support vulnerable communities.

As part of this initiative, Prime Minister Carney announced plans to introduce legislation in Parliament this fall, aimed at addressing hate crimes and protecting religious and cultural spaces. This legislation will make it a criminal offense to deliberately obstruct access to places of worship, schools, and community centers, providing a crucial layer of protection for at-risk communities.

In addition to legislative measures, the government will provide targeted funding to provinces for training law enforcement officers and Crown prosecutors. This initiative will enhance their capacity to protect vulnerable communities and enforce hate crime laws, ensuring that those responsible for perpetrating hate crimes are held accountable.

Prime Minister Carney emphasized that Canada is a nation built on the principles of acceptance and community, where individuals from all backgrounds, including Jewish Canadians, can live their lives openly, freely, and safely. The meeting concluded with an agreement between the Prime Minister and community leaders to hold regular meetings to monitor progress and continue working together to address the issue of antisemitism in Canada.