As the climate around hate and division intensifies in Ottawa and surrounding areas, we must come together as individuals, local organizations, and communities to address the root causes of hate.
Local news feeds are currently filled with political polarization, thanks to an election in the United States and talk that Canadians could be headed to the federal polls any time. That’s on top of a constant barrage of traumatic images, stories and videos of violence around the globe, negatively affecting many people across our region — not to mention the families landing in our communities after fleeing those very situations.
Earlier this year, the Ottawa Police Service said local hate crime incidents are at an all-time high, and the numbers are likely much worse than what’s reported, due to the distrust of police among many communities. We’ve seen a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, not just in our streets, but in our schools, targeted at mosques and synagogues, and online.
At United Way East Ontario, our goal is to ensure everyone has the freedom and opportunity to reach their full potential. So, how do we achieve equity and justice in this climate? Read the full op-ed by Director of Community Initiatives, Cameron Ketchum, in the Ottawa Citizen to find out.