TORONTO – Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner has reaffirmed the provincial government’s zero tolerance approach to antisemitism and hate motivated crime, issuing a formal directive to police leaders across Ontario reminding them of their legal responsibilities to prevent, investigate, and respond to such incidents.
In a letter dated December 11, 2025, addressed to chiefs of police, chairs of police service boards, and Ontario Provincial Police detachment boards, Kerzner outlined the government’s enforcement expectations under the Community Safety and Policing Act, which came into force last year. The letter emphasizes that preventing and responding to hate motivated crime must remain a priority for law enforcement, particularly during periods of increased community gatherings such as the holiday season.
“As Minister, I have been very proactive in writing every Chief of Police and Police Service Board,” Kerzner said in a public statement accompanying the letter. “Our government’s tone and expectation have been clear. Not one act will ever be acceptable.”
Kerzner, who is Jewish, described the province’s approach as unprecedented in its scope and clarity. He cited legislative authority, direct communication with police leadership, and targeted investments designed to strengthen enforcement capacity and ensure accountability at the local level.
According to the Solicitor General’s office, the province has expanded support for the Hate Crimes and Extremism Investigative Team grant program, increasing funding to $1.25 million for the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year. The program supports a network of 19 municipal police services, as well as the Ontario Provincial Police and Parliamentary Protective Services, by providing specialized investigative assistance related to hate propaganda, extremist activity, and hate motivated crime.
The letter also details additional provincial investments, including more than $2 million over two years through the Safer and Vital Communities grant, which supports community based organizations working with police to combat hate and discrimination. A further $91.2 million has been allocated through the Community Safety and Policing grant program, with portions specifically directed toward initiatives addressing hate motivated crime.
“These tools exist for a reason,” Kerzner said. “Police services have the authority to act, and the expectation is that they will use it.”
Municipal governments were also singled out for their role, as they appoint the majority of members to municipal police service boards. Kerzner stressed that policy oversight and budgetary decisions must align with the shared objective of protecting communities and responding decisively when antisemitism or other forms of hate emerge.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs welcomed the Solicitor General’s directive, while emphasizing that enforcement must be consistent and visible.
“CIJA recognizes the Ontario Solicitor General’s direction to police services and boards, underscoring their responsibility to prevent and respond to hate motivated crimes, including antisemitism,” the organization said in a statement.
“Funding, training, and legislative authority are essential and so is consistent enforcement. Jewish communities across Ontario need to see that these tools are applied swiftly and decisively when intimidation, harassment, or violence occurs.”
CIJA echoed Kerzner’s assertion that antisemitism must be treated as a unique and serious threat, rejecting attempts to blur or relativize it.
“There is no moral equivalency to antisemitism,” the organization said. “Words, policies, and investments must translate into visible action that keeps communities safe.”
The Solicitor General’s letter also highlights expanded training initiatives delivered through the Ontario Police College, including specialized hate crime investigator courses and mandatory education for new recruits. Online training developed in partnership with the Ministry of the Attorney General is designed to help officers recognize hate motivated offences and respond in a trauma informed manner.
Kerzner concluded by thanking police leaders for their service and reaffirming the government’s commitment to community safety.
“Our government has never wavered when it comes to combatting antisemitism,” he said. “We will fight to combat and prevent it, morning, noon, and night.”
