Region of Durham launches “Together Against Hate Durham” to combat hate and foster inclusion

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham is taking a proactive stance against hate with the launch of Together Against Hate Durham, a three-phase initiative aimed at building safer, more inclusive communities.

Supported by a grant from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s National Anti-Racism Fund, Together Against Hate Durham builds on the Region’s ongoing anti-hate efforts, which also include developing a community-based hate reporting tool and community healing guidelines.

The initiative has three strategic phases:

Phase one saw the establishment of a coalition of 39 community partners who laid the groundwork for the coordinated, community-driven action of the program via a public awareness campaign.
Phase two focused on public education by creating toolkit of mixed-media resources that help individuals recognize, report, and respond to hate activity, while supporting those affected.
Phase three consists of hosting an Anti-Hate Conference, as well as presenting policy recommendations and a hate activity dashboard to Durham Regional Council, guided by the Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce.

About the Resource Toolkit

Developed with the expertise of the Together Against Hate Durham coalition, the resource toolkit consists of brochures, posters, postcards and videos on topics including recognizing and reporting hate, supporting victims of hate, responding to hate and a guide specifically for youth. These resources are centrally housed online and can be easily downloaded, printed or shared.

About the Anti-Hate Conference

This full-day event will explore the campaign’s effort to raise public awareness and education about hate-related issues, while mobilizing communities to take action. Participants will also have a unique opportunity to help shape anti-hate policy recommendations in Durham Region. The event also features a keynote speaker and panel discussion.

Date: Friday November 7, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Ajax Community Centre (75 Centennial Road, Ajax)

To access program resources and learn more about other anti-hate initiatives at the Region, visit durham.ca/Anti-Hate.

Quote

“Together Against Hate Durham is a call to action that reinforces the Region’s unwavering commitment to fostering places and spaces where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. By increasing education and raising awareness, we want to empower municipalities, community organizations, institutions, and individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to take meaningful action against hate in all its forms.”

- Allison Hector-Alexander, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Region of Durham

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