The recent formation of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, a group of more than 15 academics, journalists, legal experts and community leaders, is a significant step in addressing the growing threat of far-right extremist groups in Canada.
In a political climate that often appears more polarized than ever, understanding how hatred is fostered in these groups and raising awareness of their existence is key to combating the spread of hatred across the country.
Canada is often perceived as a nation of peace, but this reputation does not mean that the country is immune to hateful extremist ideologies. It is important to find out how domestic hate groups can grow within Canadian society and what factors contribute to such growth.
What must be especially prominent in this new group’s research is delving into how online communities have become incubators for hate groups to grow. Social media and chat rooms have become especially known for enabling these groups to be isolated from the rest of the world.
As seen from the fallout of the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting and the Toronto van attack this past April, fostering hateful extremism can often breed violent action. Prevention is a necessary cure to violence, and this begins by cultivating knowledge and awareness of hateful attitudes.
