Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that antisemitism in the country has reached levels not seen since World War II. Speaking at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto, Carney said more than two-thirds of religion-based hate crimes recorded last year targeted Jewish Canadians.
They make up just one per cent of the population. He cited attacks on Jewish schools, synagogues, community centres and businesses and said some Jewish students have been driven from shared spaces on university campuses.
Carney said antisemitism plagues Europe, Australia and the United States. But, he said, the crisis of antisemitism in Canada is specific, severe and demands a targeted response. Carney announced a new Ministerial Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion to study antisemitism and recommend action.
He also highlighted 75 million dollars in funding for security measures at faith-based institutions, with things like security infrastructure and additional security personnel.
The Prime Minister said the measures are aimed at protecting communities and will not restrict freedom of expression or legitimate criticism of governments.