FIGHT RISE OF HATE

There is no doubt that a Statistics Canada report released this week showing only 1.2 per cent of hate crimes reported to police in Canada in 2015 were reported in Saskatchewan is good news. The report was based on nationwide statistics on policereported hate crimes in 2015.

But there is also a great deal of evidence showing that Saskatchewan has a long way to go when it comes to racist beliefs and activities. And reports are on the rise, even if the numbers remain low. In 2015, three more hate crimes were reported in Saskatchewan than in 2014, for a total of 16. One was filed in Regina and seven in Saskatoon. Incidents against specific ethnic groups, however, jumped to 11 — two more than in 2014 — and incidents against religious groups climbed to five from two.

Perhaps the police are not reporting a huge number of hate crimes — although one can be considered too many — but there is clear evidence of tensions elsewhere in the province. Any story with a racial or religious component placed on the Leader-Post or StarPhoenix website or Facebook page has to be carefully watched for angry and, at times, hateful exchanges to erupt.

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission’s 2015-16 annual report showed new complaints filed were up 12.4 per cent when compared to the previous year. There were 171 formalized complaints filed during that reporting period, which is up 23.7 per cent over the previous year.

This is National Aboriginal History Month, and June 21 is National Aboriginal Day. There is no better time for the people of Saskatchewan to stop and consider if we — both as individuals and as a community — have areas of prejudice or need more education about other religions and cultures. Reconciliation is a word we are hearing more and more in the public discussion. The Office of the Treaty Commissioner defines reconciliation in Saskatchewan as “each citizen of the province taking personal responsibility to do what they can to create an interdependent and fair society.”

Education is key when it comes to combating intolerance. Saskatoon Public Library has launched a Read for Reconciliation challenge where people can access materials, at www. saskatoonlibrary.ca/read-for-reconciliation. There is a list of materials for people of all ages on a variety of subjects. Let’s expand this challenge. Attend a National Aboriginal Day event. Watch documentaries that teach about a religion that is foreign to you. Reach out to help new immigrants in your city.

Changing prejudicial views can happen one small act at a time. Do what you can to move the dial in your own life and own home.