Language selector

Appendix C - Asian Canadian angler inquiry commitments

Page controls

Page content

1. Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    The initiatives are completed.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue?
    AMO facilitated space at its conference to address this issue, and incorporated these issues into existing research.
  3. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Partially. The presentation about the angler issue represents a positive initial step in providing municipalities with examples of how other communities have responded to racism. The draft paper on “Welcoming Immigrants” refers to removing systemic barriers to housing and employment for immigrants, but does not include an exploration of issues of racism, discrimination or hate and how these affect immigrants.
  4. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    The draft paper would benefit from a more comprehensive focus on anti-racism, discrimination and hate, and how these affect immigrants when attempting to integrate into new communities.

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.

2. City of Kawartha Lakes

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Yes. The initiatives are completed.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue?
    Yes.
  3. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. Police have been contacted to address safety concerns for Asian Canadian anglers. By passing a motion to join CMARD, this represents an ongoing commitment to anti-racism and human rights.
  4. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    Yes. Strong messages from community leaders that denounce racism and discrimination are consistent with anti-racism principles.

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

2. The City’s web site has been updated to reference the incidents and states that the City “does not condone nor tolerate any discriminatory practices in any way, shape or form.” The City has written on its web site what it has done in response to the incidents. http://www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca/CityHall/News/asian_anglers.html

3. The City’s Tourism Development Officer is working with Ontario Tourism to identify Asian media outlets in order to publish a ‘Safe fishing in Kawartha Lakes’ message before the beginning of the next fishing season

4. OPP officers have been assigned to patrol areas in the City where anglers congregate. The high visibility foot patrol program has been used to make personal contacts with Asian Canadian Anglers to reassure them and encourage them to immediately report any incidents or suspicious activities

5. The City has investigated funding for local initiatives at community agencies but was not successful in finding suitable local programs.

OHRC Proposed Next Steps

1. Contact the Commission for any further assistance in completing the goals under CMARD.

3. City of Peterborough

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Yes. The motion has been passed, and the work is being led by the New Canadian Centre of Peterborough.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue?
    The City is working in partnership with other organizations in Peterborough on this project. A timeframe and plan for completion is in place.
  3. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    The project examines educating the public on issues that immigrants face. The project provides opportunities to address issues of racism by identifying barriers to integrating immigrants into the community.
  4. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    N/A

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:

  1. Educating the public on the issues that immigrants face
  2. Ensuring employers can attract foreign trained workers, and
  3. Long term integration into the community.

OHRC Proposed Next Steps

1. Continue supporting anti-racism work taking a strong stand on issues of racism.

4. Village of Westport

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Although an agreement was not reached at the time of the Inquiry, the Village of Westport responded to the incidents by placing a “Statement of Community Interest” on its website, denouncing discrimination based on race and other Human Rights Code protected grounds.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue?
    The Commission is not aware of further resources contributed to this issue.
  3. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Placing a statement on the website is a positive first step. More work may be needed to ensure that all people feel safe to return to Westport to fish.
  4. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    The positive message needs to be backed up by further action that protects the safety of Asian Canadian anglers, promotes anti-racism and discourages stereotyping.

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.

5. Town of Georgina

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Yes, the initiative to create a Equity and Diversity committee is complete. Projects proposed out of this committee are in development.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue?
    Yes. Considerable time and resources are being dedicated to this issue.
  3. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. The number of formally reported incidents against Asian Canadian anglers in the fishing season of 2008 has decreased from the previous year. Coordinated partnership between the City and the Police is key. The initiatives of the Diversity and Equity Committee and joining CMARD add to the long-term goals of eliminating racism.
  4. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    Yes. There are multiple partners involved in these initiatives, including representation from equity-seeking groups and community leaders on the Equity and Diversity Committee. This represents a strong commitment to this issue. The proposed projects focus directly on efforts to address 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


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:

  1. To propose that council formally recognize March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racism and Racial Discrimination
    1. To work on a protocol for the town of Georgina on how to respond to incidents of discrimination.
    2. To propose that Georgina declare itself a “diverse community” which means adopting a formalized commitment and engaging in community initiatives that guarantee Georgina’s ongoing public engagement in developing and promoting a culture of inclusion

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.

6. York Regional Police Service (YRP)

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Yes. Most initiatives are completed and others are in development.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue?
    Yes. Considerable time and resources are being dedicated to this issue.
  3. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. Initiatives range from increasing physical safety of the public, to public education about the angler incidents, to increasing the capacity of the YRP to address hate crimes. This shows considerable commitment to this issue.
  4. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    Yes. The YRP has worked on extensive community engagement, including public education (both in the force and with students) about hate crimes. The specific focus on the impact of hate crimes and intervention incorporates anti-racism principles.

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

2. Will advise schools that YRP is prepared to offer its education services on this issue

3. Will request to speak with parent councils about the issue

4. Has assisted the town of Georgina in the development and ongoing support of a race relations committee

5. Will advertise through media releases and other means that people can contact the police in multiple languages to make complaints, and do not have to have experienced a crime to contact the police about a hate incident

6. Will incorporate examples of the angler incidents into the annual officer recertification program on hate crimes

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.

7. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Yes. The initiatives are completed or they are in development.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue?
    Yes. The OPP has committed time and resources to modifying training material and to disseminating this information to officers and students in schools. The OPP has also dedicated resources to enhancing the expertise of its officers in dealing with hate crimes.
  3. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. Greater awareness on the part of officers in handling hate crimes will greatly increase public safety. Greater coordination with affected communities, such as Kawartha Lakes, will lead to a heightened response if similar incidents occur.
  4. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    Yes. The OPP has engaged in considerable public education around hate crimes and has raised this issue as a priority. Continued monitoring of hate activity is an important part of enhancing support for victims and holding perpetrators accountable.

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

2. In educating youth about hate crimes and hate activity, the OPP hate crimes unit will incorporate a discussion of the angler incidents into its public education curricula. OPP will canvass schools or boards in affected areas to make them aware of the education content available

3. Will develop a brochure, in consultation with community/police partners, around hate crimes and the angler incidents. The brochure will outline police and victim supports available. This brochure will be produced in multiple languages and made available during the 2008 fishing season

4. Where hate incidents are reported to police and do not fit the criteria of a criminal offence (e.g. racial slurs), these incidents will be tracked and monitored through the Hate Crimes Liaison Officers and the victims referred to appropriate services

5. Will continue to work with community partners (e.g. Peterborough Race Relations Com’ttee) around this issue and around hate crimes generally

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.

4. A crime stoppers poster, “Fish without Fear”, was developed.

5. In partnership with York Regional Police Service, we developed a “Safe Shore Family Information Day”, which was held on June 8, 2008

6. The OPP HCEU will be releasing a front line training hate crime video for OPP members in January 2009.


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

8. Ministry of Natural Resources

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development? 
    Most are in development. The joint communication plan with the OHRC and with MAG leadership has yet to be developed.
  2. 2a. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? 2b. Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place? 
    2a. Yes. The Ministry has contributed resources and made a commitment to train a significant number of staff. 2b. MNR anticipates that its commitments will be completed or embedded into the Ministry’s practice by year end of 2009.
  3. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. MNR presence and coordination with police is important for public safety. Racial profiling training has the potential to reach multiple service providers. Messages around harassment and anti-racism are critical. Continued follow-up with angling groups will be important to addressing safety concerns.
  4. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles? 
    In process. Messages around anti-racism and discrimination provided in the Fishing Regulation Summary are a critical first step of the communications plan. Further work needs to be done to ensure consistency of the messaging in the communications plan.

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

2. MNR will work collectively with police to coordinate MNR enforcement presence in communities, particularly at the beginning of the next fishing season

3. Will work with the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and other ministries on a communications strategy for the 2008 fishing season. MNR released the following message in the booklet containing the 2008 fishing regulations (Chinese language version only):
“We must also show similar respect towards our fellow anglers, embracing each other’s differences while participating in an activity that unites us all.”

4. MNR will work with anglers’ organizations and community race relations committees to engage in public education initiatives to combat assumptions about illegal fishing

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.
3. The enforcement team in Aurora hired a Conservation Officer with Chinese language skills (both Cantonese and Mandarin).


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.
5&6. Which organizations will MNR work with to engage around the angler incidents? What messaging will be provided around anti-racism and challenging stereotypes about illegal fishing?

9. Ministry of Citizenship

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Two new initiatives are complete. The rest are in development or reflected the Ministry’s ongoing work. 
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place? At this point, it is not clear when some of the initiatives will be completed, or what resources they will involve. MCI has indicated that it will “engage in public awareness and education concerning racial diversity in the context of the Ministry’s mandate” by continuing to fund initiatives that focus on racial diversity. More clarification is needed with respect to how it will “work with immigration and settlement agencies to examine ways to identify and support victims of discrimination and hate crimes within their existing resources.”
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles? 
    Partially. More work needs to be done to integrate anti-racism principles and goals (and language) in addition to a focus on diversity.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism? Although not specifically aimed at increasing anglers’ safety, many of the commitments, when implemented, show promise at being able to eliminate barriers to integration for immigrants (e.g. looking at tools for employers, funding projects that reduce racism and discrimination, ensuring that organizations have human rights and anti-racism policies, sharing projects across agencies that focus on anti-racism and eliminating hate activity).

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

b) Influence and support government and policy development activities to ensure that racial diversity and equity are respected and promoted in government initiatives

c) Facilitate dialogue between those with concerns about racial profiling and private and public service providers; or support government initiatives that facilitate dialogue between those with concerns about racial profiling and private and public service providers

d) Engage in public awareness and education activities concerning racial diversity; or support government initiatives that engage in public awareness and education activities concerning racial diversity


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.

4a. The ADM of Citizenship and Immigration Division is a member of this committee. Complete.

4b. Once the projects are complete, MCI will review the outcomes of its funded projects on anti-racism with a view to exploring how any best practice initiatives regarding anti-racism might be shared with other agencies.

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

  • Add “human rights policies” to the list of policies required to establish the grant. Identify the Commission’s Policy and Guidelines on Developing Human Rights Policies as a potential resource.C
  • onsider embedding anti-racism grant criteria in the program objectives

4b. Once the outcomes of the grant on anti-racism have been demonstrated, establish a plan to disseminate this information to other agencies

10. Ministry of the Attorney General

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Yes. Most initiatives were ongoing through the recommendations made by the Hate Crimes Community Working Group. A proposal is currently being drafted for the social marketing campaign.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    Yes. There is a plan in place through the response to the Hate Crimes Working Group. However, there are limitations with respect to lack of sustained core funding available to community agencies to enhance their ability to support victims of hate (recommendation 5.1 of Hate Crimes Community Working Group report).
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    Yes. When implemented, these initiatives will focus on the impact of hate activity against people based on Human Rights Code-protected grounds.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. When implemented, the recommendations from the Hate crimes Community Working Group will constitute broad-scale improvements in eliminating hate activity and providing support to victims.

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

3. Urge the federal government to adopt the standard definitions of “hate crimes” and “hate incidents” across all public institutions, and encourage that additional hate-motivated offences be incorporated in the Criminal Code


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

5. Commit to publicizing the progress of implementation of all Hate Crimes Working Group Report recommendations


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

7. Work with OHRC (and MCSCS) on a large-scale social marketing campaign focused on hate and bias-related incidents in everyday life (Rec. 7.1 of HCCWG report)*


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:


  • Hate crimes training strategy for victim services personnel. The OVSS will train over 300 staff by December 2010 and will phase in training for its 159 community transfer payment agencies over the next two years 2009 to 2011.
  • Working with a committee made up of Crown Attorneys, police, academics, experts and local community members in Durham region regarding the development of a community victim impact statement

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.

11. Ministry Community Safety and Correctional Services

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    As of January 2009, the Police Stakeholder Working Group had two meetings and has drafted a project plan to review the Hate Crime Community Working Group recommendations.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    Work continues on identifying resources and timeframes.
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    When implemented in accordance with the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report recommendations, these initiatives will focus on the impact of hate activity against people based on Human Rights Code protected grounds.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. When implemented, the recommendations from the Hate Crimes Community Working Group will constitute broad-scale improvements in improving police practices and providing support to victims.

Commitments Proposed

1. Recommendation 6.11 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:

  • Reviewing the existing protocols for dealing with hate/bias crime and hate propaganda recommended in the Policing Standards Manual and revise these protocols within the next 12 months.

2. Recommendation 6.12 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:

  • Ensuring that each police service has dedicated hate crimes officers and officers with specialized hate crime expertise to serve as resources to the rest of the police service
  • Each service make public, on an ongoing basis, the resources it has available for responding to and investigating hate incident allegations and the easiest and most appropriate ways of obtaining access to those resources
  • Each police service make best efforts to ensure that all individuals in its local area are able to report crimes, and hate crimes or incidents in particular, in the languages in which they are most comfortable.

3. Recommendation 6.27 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:

  • Working in partnership with MAG, the Association of Chiefs of Police and the Centre for Justice Statistics to develop a mechanism for collecting statistics on hate crimes and hate incidents and submitting them to the Ministers and to the public on an annual basis

4. Recommendation 7.1 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:

  • Working with the OHRC (and MAG) on a large scale social marketing campaign focused on hate and bias-related incidents in everyday life

5. Recommendation 7.3 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:

  • Working with the OHRC (and MAG) 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

6. Recommendation 7.4 of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group report, which includes:

  • Working with the OHRC (and MAG) 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

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

12. Ministry of Education

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    They are in development.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    Yes. However, further opportunities for engagement with racialized communities and participation for all Boards in the development of the curriculum around the angler incidents would be beneficial.
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    Yes. The Ministry indicates that all revised curriculum documents include a section on anti-discrimination education and are subjected to an expert check to ensure that anti-racism principles are reflected in revised documents prior to finalization. Examples of incidents such as those of hate activity, discrimination and racism against Asian Canadian people in Canada are included.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. Integrating curriculum regarding hate activity, racism and discrimination against Asian Canadians would increase understanding of anti-discrimination and addressing racism.

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.

2. During the curriculum review process, and within discussion of discrimination and hate-related incidents, EDU will try to incorporate specific examples and expectations pertaining to Asian Canadians and the angler incidents as appropriate


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

13. Conseil Scolaire de District Catholique Centre – Sud

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    The initiatives are complete.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    Time was provided for students to learn the material.
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    Yes. An understanding of hate crimes will increase an understanding on the part students of the nature of discrimination and racism.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    The commitments will increase awareness on the part of students of issues of racism and will enhance the ability of teachers to address this.

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.

2. OHRC came and provide anti-racism training directed to students 25 students from grades 7 and 8. Thirteen staff members attended. The principal of the school has provided training/workshop on intimidation and racism for the teachers in August 2008 using resources provided by the Board

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

14. York Region District School Board (YRDSB)

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Students have been educated on the issue. (Has the EDU contacted the School Board to take part in curriculum development with respect to the angler incidents? Has collaboration taken place?)
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    Time and resources were provided to educate students on the issue as well as work with staff on sensitivity training. Further resources will be provided with respect to writing/reviewing curriculum regarding the angler incidents/hate activity.
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    When completed, the commitments will increase awareness on the part of students of racism, and will enhance the ability of teachers to address these issues.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. An understanding of hate crimes will increase students’ understanding of the nature of discrimination and racism.

Commitments Proposed

1. Take part in community race relations committees

2. Invite the York Regional Police (YRP) into schools to talk about stereotypes, hate crimes and the angler incidents, if possible, prior to year’s end

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 invite YRP into schools when possible

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
For instance:

  • The high school closest to the incident has worked with their staff on sensitivity training and inclusivity to heighten awareness
  • A local elementary school dealt directly with the issue and addressed news articles on it with students

To be completed:
Participating in the development of curriculum with the Min of Ed

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.

15. York Catholic District School Board

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Some students have been educated on the issue. Participation in curriculum development still needs to take place.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    Time was provided to students to become appraised of the material. Further resources in terms of input will be provided with respect to curriculum development and implementation.
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    When completed, the commitments will increase students’ awareness of racism, and enhance the ability of teachers to address these issues.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. An understanding of hate crimes will increase an understanding of the nature of discrimination and racism on the part of students.

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

  • The Lady of the Lake Catholic College School in Keswick addressed the issue on several occasions in school assemblies.
  • The Principal and Superintendent, along with the principals and Superintendent of the York RDSB were part of a think tank called by the Mayor of Georgina.
  • The issue is most relevant in the Georgina area and this school was very responsive to working together with the community/police and the other Board.
  • York Region Police Street Beat officers regularly visit schools to increase student awareness of various issues including racially motivated bullying

OHRC Proposed Next Steps

1. Participate in the development of the curriculum with the Ministry of Ed.

2. Continue to educate students on the issue of hate crimes and the angler incidents as needs arise.

16. Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Students have been educated on this issue and the Board indicates they will continue to receive education on an ongoing basis.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    Time was provided for students to become appraised of the material. Further time and resources will be provided with respect to curriculum implementation.
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    When completed, the commitments will increase students’ awareness of racism and will enhance the ability of teachers to address these issues.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. An understanding of hate crimes will increase students’ understanding of the nature of discrimination and racism.

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

2. Will work with the OPP in the area of hate crimes and will provide opportunities at schools to address the issue

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

17. Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Some students have been educated on the issue.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    Time was provided for students to become appraised of the material.
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    When completed, the commitments will increase students’ awareness of racism, and enhance the ability of teachers to address these issues.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. An understanding of hate crimes will increase students’ understanding of the nature of discrimination and hate crimes.

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
2. Will work with the OPP 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. 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

18. Upper Canada District School Board

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    An update is required.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    Yes. Time is being given to consult with the Ministry of Education and provide education to students on this issue. There is a timeframe for completion with respect to educating students in public education sessions.
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    When completed, the initiatives will increase students’ awareness of racism and enhance the ability of teachers to address this issue.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. An understanding of hate crimes will increase students’ understanding of the nature of discrimination and racism.

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:


  • Will bring forward this issue to the student senate in early 2009
  • Will invite the OPP into schools to give presentations on hate crimes and the angler incidents

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.

19. Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    The initiatives are not yet completed.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    The Board intends to complete the initiatives in the 2008-2009 school year.
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    When completed, the commitments will increase students’ awareness of racism, and enhance the ability of teachers to address these issues.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. An understanding of hate crimes will increase students’ understanding of the nature of discrimination and racism.

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.

20. Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH)

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Yes. The initiative was completed.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    Resources were provided to put a statement on the website.
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    It has issued a statement condemning harassment and calling for the enforcement of harassment provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act. OFAH can further incorporate human rights and anti-racism principles by ensuring that people understand that no one community is wholly responsible for illegal fishing, and that enforcement of fishing regulations is an issue that is distinct from people experiencing harassment based on Human Rights Code-related or other grounds.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Strong messages about public safety and condemning racial harassment are initial steps to deterring harassment and addressing the safety of Asian Canadian anglers. By engaging with anglers, promoting safety and countering racial stereotyping, OFAH can add to these goals.

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.

21. Ontario Chinese Anglers Association

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    The initiative is not completed.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    N/A
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    N/A
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    N/A

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

22. Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)

  1. Are the initiatives completed? If they are longer term, are they in development?
    Longer term initiatives are in development.
  2. Has the organization committed time, resources and money to the issue? Is there a plan and a timeframe for completion in place?
    Yes. Considerable resources have been committed to this issue. Plans and timeframes are in place.
  3. Has the organization implemented the commitment reflecting human rights principles and anti-racism principles?
    Yes.
  4. Do the commitments add to the overall goals of addressing safety of Asian Canadian anglers and/or eliminating racism?
    Yes. By raising the profile of this issue in the public eye, the Commission expects a heightened awareness around issues of racism on the part of the public and increased safety for Asian Canadian anglers.

Commitments Proposed

 

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.

Book Prev / Next Navigation