Canada has a rich history of right-wing extremism and neo-Nazism, distinct from, but influenced by, American and European hate movements. It is no longer so marginal, it has inspired terrorist attacks and there will always be victims. Perhaps even more dangerously is the shift of their ideologies that influence our traditional discourse and politics, reducing the social consequences and thus emboldening their supporters. For the first time since the Second World War, there is an officially recognized federal party, obviously neo-Nazi, the Canadian Nationalist Party. Their supporters overlap with the more traditional People's Party of Canada, which has attracted hate group supporters with its anti-multicultural message. Hate groups calling for the assassination of politicians and non-white Canadians are organizing regular protests in cities across Canada. We are in a cold cultural war with bursts of terrorism. The good news is that we have a game book to win, it's just a matter of resources. This webinar will provide an overview of the state of hate in Canada, how it is being tackled, the challenges ahead and the avenues it offers.
When: October 29, 2019 at 1:00 pm EST
Where: Online, via Webex
Thanks to everyone who participated.
View our recording of the webinar here. Kindly fill out our online survey for this webinar here.
Panelist: Evan Balgord
Evan Balgord is Executive Director of the Canadian Hate Network. An investigative journalist and researcher, he covers the rise of new extreme right-wing groups and hatred in Canada. He is a Fellow of the Global Journalism Fellowship of the Munk School of Global Affairs and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Science from the University of Toronto, with a dual specialization in Psychology and Sociology. Previously, he worked as Toronto Mayor John Tory's special assistant. He has also served as vice-president of the Canadian Association of Journalists and is a non-academic member of the Canadian Terrorism, Security and Society Research Network.
Moderator: Len Rudner
Len Rudner is director of Len Rudner & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in community advocacy, diversity and inclusion, and human rights. He is the former Director of Community Relations and Outreach at the Center for Israeli and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).
Prior to working for CIJA, Len held various roles at the Canadian Jewish Congress, as Regional Director for Ontario, National Director of Community Relations, and Director of Community Relations for Ontario. He represented the position of the Jewish community on a variety of issues, including anti-Semitism, workplace discrimination, reasonable accommodations, and denial of the Holocaust. He has represented the CIJA and the CJC at international conferences on Holocaust education, anti-Semitism, hate speech and freedom of expression.