Thank you, Madam Chair.

Good afternoon, Chair and members of the committee.

I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe peoples.

My name is Catherine Dubuc. I am currently acting director general of the hate crimes policy team, and I am also responsible for the culture, innovation and gender-based analysis plus directorate within the RCMP’s reform, accountability and culture sector. Thank you for inviting me here today as part of your study of hate-motivated violence against 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

I would like to begin by sharing or explaining the mandate and work of the RCMP, as well as some key points on hate crimes in the Canadian context. The RCMP across Canada continues to support the Government of Canada's efforts to combat hate crimes through collaboration with federal and provincial governments and agencies, non-government organizations, communities and law enforcement partners. Hate crimes are motivated by prejudice or bias against an identifiable group. Under the Criminal Code of Canada, identifiable groups include those defined by sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, among many other groups.

According to Statistics Canada, police-reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation have increased 225%, and hate crimes targeting transgender and non-binary individuals have increased 120% between 2019 and 2023. This data encompasses all police of jurisdiction across Canada.

The RCMP has experienced similar increases in hate crimes targeting 2SLGBTQI+ people across Canada. It is especially concerning to the RCMP that crimes motivated by hatred towards these communities are reported to be more violent in nature when compared to all other reported hate crimes.

Current data indicates that 2SLGBTQI+ communities are disproportionately represented in hate crimes targeting gender and sexual orientation. For every crime targeting sexual orientation or sex and gender outside of these communities, there are 28 crimes motivated by hatred against 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Four out of the top five hate-motivated crime types perpetrated against these communities are violent in nature.

Hate crimes targeting the 2SLGBTQI+ community have increased at a faster rate in 2023 and 2024 than in the previous three years. The full extent of the impact of hate crimes on the 2SLGBTQI+ communities remains difficult to measure. There is a need for more information on the barriers that prevent these individuals from reporting hate crimes, including the fear of escalating violence. Under-reporting remains significant, often stemming from the reluctance of victims and witnesses to come forward.

The RCMP is aware that 2SLGBTQI+ communities have historically faced criminalization and persecution by police, noting that many who experienced violence did not report it primarily because they did not think it would make a difference. The RCMP has been committed, and continues to be committed, to rebuilding trust, fostering engagement and building community connections.

In 2022, the RCMP, in partnership with the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, launched the hate crimes task force to increase the scope, nature and impact of efforts to address hate crimes in Canada. Progress continues through this forum to increase officer and public awareness of hate crimes and how to report them. On September 24, 2024, the Government of Canada announced Canada’s action plan on combatting hate, bringing together new and existing federal initiatives to confront hate in its various forms through three pillars: empowering communities, supporting victims and survivors, and building community trust, partnerships and institutional readiness.

The RCMP is providing national leadership in combatting hate crimes through operational policy development, centralized access to relevant data and research and strengthening partnerships between the RCMP and police of jurisdiction to address hate crimes in Canada.

The mandate to investigate hate crimes falls to the local police of jurisdiction. To ensure a coordinated approach to detecting, investigating and combatting hate crimes, the RCMP is supporting these efforts through integrated resources, information sharing and community partnerships, promoting policies and best practices that are critical to law enforcement's effective response.

The RCMP has strengthened and continues to strengthen its connections with community groups and organizations, working to support victim support services and community-based resources. Hate crimes against 2SLGBTQI+ communities are a significant concern for the RCMP, which is dedicated to the safety and security of all Canadians.

I am pleased to be here today to answer your questions, and to provide additional information on the projects and initiatives that the RCMP has been working on.

Thank you for continuing to bring attention to this crucial area that impacts the lives, health and well-being of 2SLGBTQI+ people throughout Canada.

Thank you.

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