Ottawa to outline antisemitism strategy as hate incidents surge

Prime Minister Mark Carney is outlining Ottawa's strategy to combat antisemitism today, as hate against Jewish Canadians reaches alarming levels. The remarks come in Toronto, less than a month after three visibly Jewish community members were shot at with an imitation firearm in the city.

According to Jewish advocacy group B'nai Brith, antisemitic incidents topped 6,800 in 2025 — the highest number recorded since 1982. The surge follows the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli bombing campaign in Gaza, which prompted widespread condemnation and has fuelled hatred against Jewish Canadians.

Noah Shack, with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, says the government must strengthen community security and address radicalization. "Government and law enforcement must address the drivers of this crisis, including radicalization, promotion of terrorism, and terrorist entities operating here in Canada," Shack said. "The Prime Minister has an opportunity to set the tone from the highest office to make clear that nothing can justify the hatred, intimidation, and violence Jewish Canadians are experiencing."

The announcement signals federal acknowledgment of a crisis that advocacy groups say has been escalating unchecked.