News Release

For Immediate Release
May 9, 2005

Working Group To Offer Advice

TORONTO — The McGuinty government is inviting members of the public to offer their experience and expertise to help combat hate crimes, Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today.

"Our government is taking action against hate crimes," said Bryant. "We are setting up a Hate Crimes Community Working Group with the mandate to make recommendations for improving services for victims of hate crimes and to prevent further victimization."

"Ontario's strength comes from the diversity of its people - there simply can be no room for hate crimes in our province," said Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. "It's our hope that the Hate Crimes Community Working Group will help the government strengthen its fight against hate and hate crimes."

The government has already taken steps to combat hate crimes in Ontario:

• A team of Crown counsel specially trained in hate crimes legislation provides legal advice to the police and other Crown attorneys on hate-crime related matters.
• A recent review of the Crown policy manual updated Crown prosecution policy on hate crimes to ensure that it is up-to-date, reflects legal developments and addresses the current social environment relating to hate activities.
• For the first time ever, organizations that support victims of hate crimes were invited to apply for funding from the Victims' Justice Fund that is reserved for community-based victim service programs.

"We want to get started immediately with this important work," said Bryant. "I am inviting members of the public with experience and expertise in hate crimes to participate and propose new approaches to combat hate crimes."

For information on how to apply to become a member of the Hate Crimes Community Working Group, see the ministry website at www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca.

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