Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau 
Our culturally-rich communities make York Region one of the most vibrant and tolerant communities in Canada. The four dedicated officers of the Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau are actively engaged in building strong partnerships with the thriving religious and ethnic communities and organizations to ensure the needs and concerns of our multicultural communities are met.
Our members continually work to connect with new communities in the region and address issues and concerns related to police services, while actively promoting inclusivity and tolerance.
Designated Hate Crime Investigation Team
Combatting hate crime is a priority at York Regional Police and in 2008 officers investigated 80 reported cases of hate-motivated crime compared to 74 in 2007, an increase of 8.1 per cent. The Hate Crime team has been increased to 16 members, which includes a Hate Crime Extremism Investigative Team as well as Hate Crimes Investigators assigned to every District. Officers host an annual Hate Crime workshop and provide sensitivity training to officers during their annual requalification training course.
What is a Hate/Bias Crime?
It is a criminal offence committed against a person or property which is motivated by the suspects' hate/bias or prejudice against an identifiable group or person based upon race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or other similar factor.
What is Hate Propaganda?
Hate propaganda is an offence in which genocide is advocated, or the hate of an identifiable group is publicly communicated. An identifiable group is defined by race, colour, religion or ethnicity.
When should I report a Hate/Biased Crime?
- When you feel threatened, have been assaulted or harassed
- When your property has been damaged
- When you have witnessed a Hate/Biased Crime
AND
- You feel victimized based upon the suspect's hate/bias
When should I report a Hate/Biased Crime?
Victims of Hate/Bias crimes are targeted simply because of who they are. Trauma extends beyond the obvious physical and emotional inflictions. Victims may be reluctant to report these crimes for numerous reasons. They may fear reprisals, they may fear for their safety. York Regional Police encourages members of the public to report Hate/Bias Crimes, whether they are a victim, or have witnessed a Hate/Biased Crime.
York Regional Police continues to work in partnership with its richly diverse communities. In response to our growing diversity and our intolerance of Hate/Bias crimes in March 2001, we established a Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau.
The Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau liaises with community groups, monitors Hate/Bias crime investigations and avails themselves to officers seeking expertise.
It is the responsibility of all of us to stop Hate/Bias crimes. Encourage anyone you know who has been victimized to report the crime. If you have been the victim of a Hate/Biased crime yourself, report it. Our collective intolerance of Hate/Biased crimes is a clear message to anyone harboring such fanaticism that it will not be tolerated.
2008 Highlight
Fighting Racism
Coming together to celebrate our cultural diversity has become a tradition in York Region and in 2008 York Regional Police welcomed more than 1,000 residents to the sixth annual International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemoration.
The colourful event brings together dozens of diverse cultures from across York Region and provides York Regional Police with the unique opportunity to learn about their histories and to celebrate the invaluable contributions that all communities have made to our region.
The annual celebration is organized by the members of the Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau, who regularly plan and host cultural events throughout the region.
In 2008, the Bureau hosted dozens of events including Menorah Lightings, a Citizenship Ceremony, the York Region Gay Pride Picnic and Peace Tree Day celebrations.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognizes the events of March 21, 1960 when police officers opened fire on a crowd of people demonstrating peacefully against apartheid in 
Sharpeville, South Africa, killing 69 of them.
Forty years ago the United Nations declared March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in order to raise awareness around the dehumanizing practices of racism and discrimination.
Each year communities are urged to work together to combat racism and discrimination wherever it exists.
Canada was one of the first nations in the world to formally recognize the declaration in 1989 and for the last five years, York Regional Police has worked with the region’s many diverse communities to celebrate the incredible multicultural character of our region.
“If Canada and York Region are to continue to be a beacon unto the world, we must continue to reinforce our values of social responsibility, honesty, commitment, cooperation and respect for diversity,” said Staff Sergeant Ricky Veerappan, officer in charge of the Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau.
“Diversity is our greatest strength and by celebrating International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination we are showing the world that despite our many differences in language, in culture and in religion, we can not only live together in peace and harmony, we can thrive and prosper,” he continued.
The 2008 celebration was held at Bur Oak Secondary School in Markham and featured Irish dancing, Bangra dancing, a Chinese choir, the Lan Hua Arts Group, a Russian Carousel and performances by the Native Cultural Centre and the Cheder Chabad Boys Choir, among others.
Over 60 community groups lined the halls of the high school, filling tables with displays, music, artwork, photographs, posters, books and educational materials showcasing the spectrum of cultures, religions and languages that make up York Region.
“It’s wonderful to see so many of our region’s residents – men, women and children – coming together to celebrate and embrace our diversity, while learning about other cultures in an environment of unity and joy,” said Sergeant Tony Browne of the Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau.
One of the many displays at the event was set up by the York Regional Police Recruiting Unit. In 2008, recruiting officers hired 23 new officers representing our diverse communities, increasing the York Regional Police diversity rate to 15.2 per cent from 14.4 per cent in 2007.
The York Regional Police celebration has become so well-known that Chief Armand La Barge even received a letter of recognition from former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
In the letter Mandela wrote:
“I congratulate you and the officers of York Regional Police for your sterling contribution to the citizens of York Region. More importantly, for being a champion in the fight against racial discrimination.
“I am not unaware of the work you are doing and I know that your community will be stronger for it.
“This kind of public service by uniformed officers re-defines civic engagement and only strengthens the binds that inextricably link society’s various parts, due in part to the unique perspective that comes with law enforcement.
“Our communities are rich in their diversity and, at times, not without intolerance and indifference.
“That your uniform is not simply a symbol of authority is to be applauded. Your approach enables your officers to dispatch their responsibilities with empathy, sincerity and compassion and in doing so, helping to overcome obstacles to building community.
“The elimination of racial discrimination requires community, and the role played by your officers has never been more critical. Facilitating sensitive, open-minded dialogue on this issue is essential to stemming the tide of hate that is often pervasive in our societies.
“Your men and women are part of a new paradigm because you recognize and embrace your responsibility in addressing this anathema.”
Nelson Mandela
York Regional Police remains committed to fighting racism in all its forms and continues to recruit in our diverse communities so that we reflect the community we serve.
