Wednesday, August 27, 2025
23.5 C
Vernon

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Gary Begg announced in Vancouver Friday morning an additional $734,000 for the unit. He said the funding will add five more RCMP officers and one intelligence analyst to the current two-officer unit.

“Over the past year alone we have seen reprehensible acts of violence here in our province,” said Begg. “Hate has no place in British Columbia.”

He said police reported hate crimes rose by 23 per cent from 2022 to 2023. Those linked to religion surged by more than 50 per cent and incidents related to sexual orientation jumped by 43 per cent.

Begg acknowledged that hate crimes often go unreported.

“Part of the program will be enhancing awareness of the community that they can report hate crimes as they arrive,” said Begg.

The money will fund the expanded unit for one year, with more funds to be allocated in the future.

The province said the funding is part of a $230 million investment in the B.C. RCMP, and will improve the RCMP’s ability to gather evidence for prosecutors of hate-motivated crimes, and support witnesses and victims.

Chief Supt. Elija Rain, the officer in charge of the hate crimes unit, said on Friday the team provides support and education to policing agencies across the province and currently reviews more than 100 files per week. He said the team also conducts its own investigations into public incitement of hatred or advocating genocide.

Rain acknowledged that hate crimes are still underreported.

“Ultimately, this provincial funding will not just make our team large, but more effective and more efficient,” said Rain.

“We recognize not everyone is comfortable engaging with police and the justice system,” said Jessie Sunner, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives.

She said more than 800 calls have been made to a racist incident helpline the province established last year.

Emily Joveski
Emily Joveski
Emily is the provincial news reporter for Vista Radio, based in Victoria, B.C. She has worked in radio for more than a decade, and was previously on the airwaves as a broadcaster for The Canadian Press in Toronto.

Continue Reading

cicf Now playing play

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Canadians head to the polls in ‘most important election of our time’

Polling stations are officially open across the country for those who have not already voted in advance polls.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

The 3am Diaries

Brought to you by Sleep Country & 105.7 The RanchEver find yourself wide awake at 3AM, doing something funny, random, or downright weird? We...

B.C. Conservatives call for clarity from Supreme Court of Canada on Cowichan title case

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad wants Canada’s top court to weigh in on the recent decision in favour of the Cowichan Tribes' land and fishery claim in Richmond.

B.C. Conservatives call for clarity from Supreme Court of Canada on Cowichan title case

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad wants Canada’s top court to weigh in on the recent decision in favour of the Cowichan Tribes' land and fishery claim in Richmond.

Back-to-school programs see growing demand for school supplies as prices rise

Some British Columbia groups that help provide families with school supplies said they have seen an uptick in demand heading into this school year. 

Family of woman killed in Kelowna pushes for ‘Bailey’s Law’ to reform bail system

The B.C. Conservatives are supporting calls for bail reform from the family of a woman killed in Kelowna. 

🎤 Win Tickets to the 2025 CCMA Legends Show

Brought to you by CCMA & 105.7 The RanchGet ready for an unforgettable night as the 2025 CCMA Legends...

B.C. small businesses brace for end of U.S. duty-free exemption

Small businesses in British Columbia are preparing for a financial hit from the U.S. elimination of de minimis exemptions on shipments.

B.C. small businesses brace for end of U.S. duty-free exemption

Small businesses in British Columbia are preparing for a financial hit from the U.S. elimination of de minimis exemptions on shipments.

First Nations call for longer closure of B.C.’s Joffre Lakes park

Two First Nations say British Columbia’s one-month closure of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park to allow for cultural practices is too short and is “a violation of trust.”

B.C. Ombudsperson calls for stronger whistleblower protections after five-year review

A review from British Columbia's ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 

B.C. Ombudsperson calls for stronger whistleblower protections after five-year review

A review from British Columbia's ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

Sample author description

Author Archive

The 3am Diaries

Brought to you by Sleep Country & 105.7 The RanchEver find yourself wide awake at 3AM, doing something funny, random, or downright weird? We want to hear about it! Share...

B.C. Conservatives call for clarity from Supreme Court of Canada on Cowichan title case

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad wants Canada’s top court to weigh in on the recent decision in favour of the Cowichan Tribes' land and fishery claim in Richmond.

B.C. Conservatives call for clarity from Supreme Court of Canada on Cowichan title case

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad wants Canada’s top court to weigh in on the recent decision in favour of the Cowichan Tribes' land and fishery claim in Richmond.

Back-to-school programs see growing demand for school supplies as prices rise

Some British Columbia groups that help provide families with school supplies said they have seen an uptick in demand heading into this school year. 

Family of woman killed in Kelowna pushes for ‘Bailey’s Law’ to reform bail system

The B.C. Conservatives are supporting calls for bail reform from the family of a woman killed in Kelowna. 

🎤 Win Tickets to the 2025 CCMA Legends Show

Brought to you by CCMA & 105.7 The RanchGet ready for an unforgettable night as the 2025 CCMA Legends Show takes the stage! This incredible event brings together the...

B.C. small businesses brace for end of U.S. duty-free exemption

Small businesses in British Columbia are preparing for a financial hit from the U.S. elimination of de minimis exemptions on shipments.

B.C. small businesses brace for end of U.S. duty-free exemption

Small businesses in British Columbia are preparing for a financial hit from the U.S. elimination of de minimis exemptions on shipments.

First Nations call for longer closure of B.C.’s Joffre Lakes park

Two First Nations say British Columbia’s one-month closure of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park to allow for cultural practices is too short and is “a violation of trust.”

B.C. Ombudsperson calls for stronger whistleblower protections after five-year review

A review from British Columbia's ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 

B.C. Ombudsperson calls for stronger whistleblower protections after five-year review

A review from British Columbia's ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 

B.C. Ombudsperson calls for stronger whistleblower protections after five-year review

A review from British Columbia's ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 

Researchers mourn death of northern resident orca off B.C. coast

A well-known northern resident orca known as I76 has died off the coast of Vancouver Island. 

Watchdog investigating after Vancouver man shot dead by police

British Columbia’s police watchdog is investigating after a man was shot and killed by police in Vancouver.

Enoki mushrooms recalled in B.C. for possible listeria

A recall has been issued for a brand of enoki mushroom sold in British Columbia and other provinces because of possible listeria contamination. 

Most British Columbians report seeing dangerous driving in school zones, survey finds

A survey by the British Columbia Automobile Association finds most British Columbians have witnessed dangerous driving in school zones. 
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Latest News

Canadians head to the polls in ‘most important election of our time’

Polling stations are officially open across the country for those who have not already voted in advance polls.
- Advertisement -

Search results for: B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

The 3am Diaries

Brought to you by Sleep Country & 105.7 The RanchEver find yourself wide awake at 3AM, doing something funny,...

B.C. Conservatives call for clarity from Supreme Court of Canada on Cowichan title case

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad wants Canada’s top court to weigh in on the recent decision in favour of the Cowichan Tribes' land and fishery claim in Richmond.

B.C. Conservatives call for clarity from Supreme Court of Canada on Cowichan title case

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad wants Canada’s top court to weigh in on the recent decision in favour of the Cowichan Tribes' land and fishery claim in Richmond.

Back-to-school programs see growing demand for school supplies as prices rise

Some British Columbia groups that help provide families with school supplies said they have seen an uptick in demand heading into this school year. 

Family of woman killed in Kelowna pushes for ‘Bailey’s Law’ to reform bail system

The B.C. Conservatives are supporting calls for bail reform from the family of a woman killed in Kelowna. 

🎤 Win Tickets to the 2025 CCMA Legends Show

Brought to you by CCMA & 105.7 The RanchGet ready for an unforgettable night as the 2025 CCMA Legends...

B.C. small businesses brace for end of U.S. duty-free exemption

Small businesses in British Columbia are preparing for a financial hit from the U.S. elimination of de minimis exemptions on shipments.

B.C. small businesses brace for end of U.S. duty-free exemption

Small businesses in British Columbia are preparing for a financial hit from the U.S. elimination of de minimis exemptions on shipments.

First Nations call for longer closure of B.C.’s Joffre Lakes park

Two First Nations say British Columbia’s one-month closure of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park to allow for cultural practices is too short and is “a violation of trust.”

B.C. Ombudsperson calls for stronger whistleblower protections after five-year review

A review from British Columbia's ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 

B.C. Ombudsperson calls for stronger whistleblower protections after five-year review

A review from British Columbia's ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 

B.C. Ombudsperson calls for stronger whistleblower protections after five-year review

A review from British Columbia's ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 

Researchers mourn death of northern resident orca off B.C. coast

A well-known northern resident orca known as I76 has died off the coast of Vancouver Island. 

Watchdog investigating after Vancouver man shot dead by police

British Columbia’s police watchdog is investigating after a man was shot and killed by police in Vancouver.

Enoki mushrooms recalled in B.C. for possible listeria

A recall has been issued for a brand of enoki mushroom sold in British Columbia and other provinces because of possible listeria contamination. 

Most British Columbians report seeing dangerous driving in school zones, survey finds

A survey by the British Columbia Automobile Association finds most British Columbians have witnessed dangerous driving in school zones. 
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Latest News

Canadians head to the polls in ‘most important election of our time’

Polling stations are officially open across the country for those who have not already voted in advance polls.
- Advertisement -

Tag: B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

The 3am Diaries

Brought to you by Sleep Country & 105.7 The RanchEver find yourself wide awake at 3AM, doing something funny,...

B.C. Conservatives call for clarity from Supreme Court of Canada on Cowichan title case

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad wants Canada’s top court to weigh in on the recent decision in favour of the Cowichan Tribes' land and fishery claim in Richmond.

B.C. Conservatives call for clarity from Supreme Court of Canada on Cowichan title case

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad wants Canada’s top court to weigh in on the recent decision in favour of the Cowichan Tribes' land and fishery claim in Richmond.

Back-to-school programs see growing demand for school supplies as prices rise

Some British Columbia groups that help provide families with school supplies said they have seen an uptick in demand heading into this school year. 

Family of woman killed in Kelowna pushes for ‘Bailey’s Law’ to reform bail system

The B.C. Conservatives are supporting calls for bail reform from the family of a woman killed in Kelowna. 

🎤 Win Tickets to the 2025 CCMA Legends Show

Brought to you by CCMA & 105.7 The RanchGet ready for an unforgettable night as the 2025 CCMA Legends...

B.C. small businesses brace for end of U.S. duty-free exemption

Small businesses in British Columbia are preparing for a financial hit from the U.S. elimination of de minimis exemptions on shipments.

B.C. small businesses brace for end of U.S. duty-free exemption

Small businesses in British Columbia are preparing for a financial hit from the U.S. elimination of de minimis exemptions on shipments.

First Nations call for longer closure of B.C.’s Joffre Lakes park

Two First Nations say British Columbia’s one-month closure of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park to allow for cultural practices is too short and is “a violation of trust.”

B.C. Ombudsperson calls for stronger whistleblower protections after five-year review

A review from British Columbia's ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 

B.C. Ombudsperson calls for stronger whistleblower protections after five-year review

A review from British Columbia's ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 

B.C. Ombudsperson calls for stronger whistleblower protections after five-year review

A review from British Columbia's ombudsperson finds the province’s whistleblower law is falling short in some key areas. 

Researchers mourn death of northern resident orca off B.C. coast

A well-known northern resident orca known as I76 has died off the coast of Vancouver Island. 

Watchdog investigating after Vancouver man shot dead by police

British Columbia’s police watchdog is investigating after a man was shot and killed by police in Vancouver.

Enoki mushrooms recalled in B.C. for possible listeria

A recall has been issued for a brand of enoki mushroom sold in British Columbia and other provinces because of possible listeria contamination. 

Most British Columbians report seeing dangerous driving in school zones, survey finds

A survey by the British Columbia Automobile Association finds most British Columbians have witnessed dangerous driving in school zones. 
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Latest News

Canadians head to the polls in ‘most important election of our time’

Polling stations are officially open across the country for those who have not already voted in advance polls.
- Advertisement -