Overview of the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney, leader of the Liberal Party, promised to address the rise of hate in Canada by implementing the country's Action Plan on Combatting Hate. This commitment was part of a broader platform emphasizing social cohesion, diversity, and security amid growing concerns over hate crimes, online harms, and discrimination. The promise specifically pointed to outcomes such as confronting hate through coordinated federal efforts, supporting affected communities, and enhancing policies to combat Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and other forms of racism.

Background on the Action Plan

Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate was officially launched on September 24, 2024, by the previous federal government. It represents the first comprehensive cross-government strategy to tackle hate, incorporating 20 key initiatives with a total investment of $273.6 million over six years. The plan focuses on areas like data collection on hate incidents, community support, education, and online safety measures. It was developed with input from communities experiencing hate, including Indigenous, Black, Muslim, Jewish, and 2SLGBTQ+ groups.

Actions Taken Under Mark Carney's Government

Since taking office as Prime Minister in March 2025, Mark Carney has overseen several steps that align with implementing the Action Plan. In June 2025, Carney addressed a perceived "backlash" against Pride celebrations by raising a Pride flag on Parliament Hill and announcing federal funding to enhance security for 2SLGBTQ+ parades and events. This move directly supports the plan's emphasis on protecting vulnerable communities from hate-motivated incidents.

In July 2025, Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby, met with Prime Minister Carney to discuss ongoing efforts to combat Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and anti-Arab racism. The meeting highlighted key domestic policies impacting Canadian Muslims and underscored the need for continued action to preserve social cohesion, aligning with the Action Plan's goals of promoting inclusion and religious freedoms.

Additionally, during the campaign and early in his term, Carney vowed to revive legislation aimed at regulating harmful online content, describing digital hate and misinformation as threats to Canadians. This builds on the Action Plan's components related to online harms, which were delayed under the previous administration but are now being prioritized.

Legislation Proposed or Passed

No entirely new legislation solely dedicated to the Action Plan has been passed under Carney's government as of August 29, 2025. However, the government has committed to advancing online harms legislation, which was initially proposed but not enacted before the 2025 election. In April 2025, Carney announced plans to introduce tougher laws to prevent harassment at places of worship, as part of a broader crime and justice package. This proposal ties into the Action Plan's initiatives on community safety and hate crime prevention.

The Action Plan itself does not require new standalone legislation but relies on implementing existing frameworks, such as funding allocations and policy enhancements. Progress includes the allocation of resources for anti-hate programs, with Carney's administration continuing the $273.6 million commitment. For instance, the plan's backgrounder outlines measures like improving hate crime reporting and supporting anti-racism strategies, which have seen incremental rollout through departmental actions in 2025.

Progress on Specific Outcomes

The promise emphasizes addressing the rise of hate through implementation, with outcomes including better data on hate incidents, community-led initiatives, and cross-government coordination. As of now, the government has advanced community support, as evidenced by the Pride funding and Islamophobia discussions. However, full implementation requires sustained efforts across all 20 initiatives, such as expanding online safety measures and long-term evaluation of hate reduction. While initial steps have been taken, comprehensive reporting on nationwide impact is still emerging.

Challenges and Path Forward

To consider this promise kept, the government must fully execute all elements of the Action Plan, including measurable reductions in hate incidents and completion of funded projects by the end of the six-year timeline. Continued legislative pushes, like passing the online harms bill, would strengthen this. If no further actions are taken or if funding is cut, the promise risks being broken. Currently, with ongoing meetings, funding announcements, and policy commitments in the first 100 days of Carney's term, implementation appears active but not complete.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.