Toronto (January 7, 2019) - A report released by Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) examines the rampant resurgence of white supremacy in Canada, as the movement continues to hold a strong presence on campuses, in politics and at local rallies.

According to the latest “Rising Tide of White Supremacy in Canada” report – a follow-up to last year’s FSWC report on white supremacy – in excess of 100 white nationalist and alt-right groups are active in Canada.

In 2018, incidents included posters with the slogan “It’s okay to be white” posted on university campus walls in Manitoba and Ottawa, an anti-immigration rally held by the far-right group La Meute in Quebec City and the infamous hate-filled Your Ward News publication being distributed to homes throughout the GTA. White supremacy even made its way into politics, with Your Ward News editor James Sears running as a Toronto city council candidate.

“As mentioned in the report, while the white supremacist movement largely focuses on anti-immigration sentiment, antisemitism has a strong presence in the movement. Considering the growth of the white supremacist movement in the country, it isn’t surprising that hate crimes – particularly targeting the Jewish community – have also been on the rise,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. “Canadian government leaders must make it clear that free speech does not grant the opportunity to spew hate speech. Tougher laws must be put in place to help curb the promotion of and recruitment to these hate groups.”

Media Contact:

Avital Borisovsky
Communications Associate
416-864-9735 ext. 29
aborisovsky@fswc.ca

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