'Not sit idly by': Alberta launches study to help prevent hate-motivated crimes
In an attempt to shed more light on an under-reported crime, the Alberta government is launching a formal study into hate-motivated crimes and incidents.
The project, which has a budget of $250,000, will engage two organizations – the Alberta Hate Crimes Committee and the Organization for Prevention of Violence – to conduct research.
Officials say the work will focus on local communities.
"All Albertans deserve to live free of fear and prejudice. This is why in this year's speech from the throne, Alberta committed to investigating why hate and bias-motivated incidents are on the rise," Premier Jason Kenney said in a release.
Justice Minister Tyler Shandro says there already are provincial agencies that can help victims, but this study will improve them.
"Our province will not sit idly by while the vulnerable among us are subjected to treatment that none of us deserve," he said. "I am confident the information provided by this important research will help us wield these tools even more effectively."
Work is already underway to explore "prevention-based activities" but the study will also include vital statistics that are not typically available to the public such as police data and information from the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service.
The study is expected to come up with a number of recommendations aimed at preventing these types of crimes in the future.
The data collected will also be used to reduce, respond to and assist survivors.
The report will be delivered to the province in early 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.