Skip to content

WATCH: Feds to spend $700K to block hate speech online

Project aims to strengthen the way people respond to online hate speech and create safer online spaces for young Canadians impacted by hate speech

Update:

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today the federal government will spend over $700K to block hate speech online.

The funding comes at a time when more Canadians than ever are spending time in front of their screens as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Block Hate: Resilience against Online Hate Speech will receive $759,762 from the feds. The four-year project is meant to examine hate speech trends across the country and work with experts to develop online tools and digital literacy training for young Canadians across ten communities.

The Government of Canada is committed to taking action against online hate and preventing the promotion of racism and violence. Today, the Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Bill Blair, announced $759,762 to YWCA Canada for their project Block Hate: Building Resilience against Online Hate Speech.

This project aims to strengthen the way people respond to online hate speech and create safer online spaces for young Canadians impacted by hate speech by providing best practices on how to respond.

In today's press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland also announced that the federal government is proposing a new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy Program, which will provide rent and mortgage support of up to 65 per cent.

Additionally, a top-up of 25 per cent on eligible mortgage expenses for hard-hit businesses impacted by a second wave lockdown has been proposed by the Liberals.

Freeland said the government is also working on expanding the Canada Emergency Business Account so that eligible businesses can access an interest-free loan of $20,000, half of which would be forgivable.

More details on this funding will be released in coming weeks.

Original story:

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will hold a media availability at 11:30 a.m. this morning.

Trudeau will be joined by President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Pablo Rodriguez, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Dr. Theresa Tam, and Deputy Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Dr. Howard Njoo.

Today's announcement comes as Canada surpasses the 200,000 mark for new COVID-19 cases.

Village Media will carry the livestream, so stay tuned.

$12M to help small businesses through Canada United. National fundraising campaign in collaboration with private sector.

 

YWCA Building Resilience Against Online Hate Speech