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By Regan Tate

Alberta looking at ways to reduce hate crimes

Sep 25, 2022 | 10:00 AM

Medicine Hat, AB–Recent hate-motivated crimes and incidents in the province has prompted the provincial government to study ways of preventing these crimes from happening in the future.

$250,000 is being allocated towards the project where two Alberta-based non government organizations will research the impact of hate-motivated crimes.

Work will be conducted by the Alberta Hate Crimes Committee and the Organization for the Prevention of Violence.

A lot of these crimes and incidents are not always reported to police so the research will focus on local communities to ensure all those affected can be heard.

“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. I look forward to learning more about how we can more effectively fight these troubling trends while providing safety and security to our communities,” stated Premier Jason Kenney.

Abdulkadir Abdi who is experienced in community engagement and policing will coordinate the project.

A report with evidence-based recommendations will be presented to the province. Abdi will suggest ways to reduce, respond, and assist survivors in recovering from hate crimes and incidents.

The recommendations are expected to be delivered to the government in early 2023.

Communities wishing to engage with researchers can contact the project via EndHate@gov.ab.ca.