Open ProvincesHate Incident or Crime: Stay Safe, Preserve Evidence and Report
Separate immediate danger from reporting, preserve evidence without amplifying it and find appropriate support for the targeted person.
Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.
Immediate danger
Move to safety and call 911 for threats, violence, weapons, pursuit or current risk. Do not confront or expose yourself to film.
Incident or crime
Hateful words may be harmful without meeting every criminal definition. Describe exact acts, words, symbols, damage and context and let authorities classify.
Preserve evidence
Record date, time, place, description, direction, vehicle and witnesses. Keep original messages, links, headers, photos and files.
Online content
Do not engage. Save URL, account, date and screenshots before blocking and platform reporting. Do not amplify abuse publicly.
Report
Contact local police or non-emergency service after danger. Ask for the file number and how to submit or supplement evidence.
Witnesses
Stand near the targeted person, ask what they need, note facts and offer contact details without escalation. Respect their reporting choice.
School or work
Tell safety, harassment-prevention or accommodation staff and request concrete measures in writing.
Support
Victim services can explain options, accompaniment and protection even before a court decision.
Privacy
Ask who will see the report and what may become public. Limit address, immigration, health or gender-identity details to people who genuinely need them.
Avoid public escalation
Do not publish the address of an alleged offender or organize a confrontation. A mistaken identification can endanger others and harm the investigation. Give information directly to the service handling the file and promptly correct inaccurate posts.
Official government resource (French)
Sources and limits
Official government sources are linked. Reviewed August 28, 2026; confirm current and local instructions.
General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting. Last reviewed : 2026-08-28.