Hate-crimes increased by 23% between 2022-2023, BC govt to bring 5 more RCMP officers to unit

June 5, 2025

RED FM News Desk

Surrey, B.C. – The B.C. government is strengthening its fight against hate-motivated crimes by increasing the capacity of the B.C. Hate Crimes Unit, which operates under the leadership of the RCMP.

“There is no place for hate of any kind in British Columbia, whether through criminal acts or racist language,” stated Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety Garry Begg. “In response to the increasing incidents of hate in our communities, our government is ensuring the B.C. Hate Crimes Unit has the necessary resources to investigate these crimes, holding offenders accountable.”

The provincial government has invested over $734,000 to enhance the B.C. Hate Crimes Unit’s capacity. This funding will facilitate the recruitment of five additional RCMP officers and one intelligence analyst. This investment will expand the unit’s team from two officers to eight. This financial support is part of the province’s historic $230 million investment in provincial policing services.

According to police in British Columbia, hate-motivated crimes increased by 23% between 2022 and 2023. Specifically, hate crimes related to race or ethnic origin saw a 12% increase, those related to religion surged by over 50%, and crimes motivated by sexual orientation rose by 43%.