The Criminal Code of Canada defines Hate Crime as an offence committed to intimidate, harm or terrify not only a person, but an entire group of people to which the victim belongs. Crimes are motivated by hate, prejudice or bias on the basis of grounds such as colour, race, religion, ethnic origin or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or mental or physical disability. In such cases, the sentencing principles of the Code (section 718.2) can be enforced to impose an increased sentence. As noted in a separate entry, Hate Propaganda offenses are covered under specific sections of the Code.