City of London unveils new “Stop Tolerhating” campaign to combat hate in our community

This campaign is supported by a significant investment of $500,000 from the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism to support the City of London in implementing new programs to fight hate and racism.

This new campaign will help raise awareness about the widespread impacts of hate in our city and provide Londoners with strategies to identify and address it. The campaign also aims to help prevent future incidents of hate and racism and promote a culture of respect and understanding.

The public awareness initiative will focus on highlighting the experiences of Indigenous, Black, Muslim, Jewish, East Asian, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, as well as Persons with Disabilities. These groups were identified for the campaign based on data showing increasing levels of reported hate incidents targeted towards them in London.

The Stop Tolerhating website, stoptolerhating.ca, is a comprehensive online hub with resources and tools to empower Londoners to take action against hate and discrimination.

The City of London developed the new campaign with guidance and direction from an Anti-Hate Pilot Project Steering Committee, which is comprised of members from local public sector organizations. In addition, the City of London engaged with over sixty organizations and groups in London representing different equity-denied communities to gather community resources, identify knowledge gaps and provide input on the campaign through an equity lens.

Marketing materials for the campaign will appear on transit shelters and digital billboards throughout London, in community centres and libraries, on the City’s social media channels and on the new Stop Tolerhating website. Marketing assets will be shared with Anti-Hate Pilot Project Steering Committee members to distribute to their networks and provided to other City partners to post and share. The campaign will run from November 2024 to June 2025 and is intended to be a model for other municipalities.

Quotes:

“Stop Tolerhating is not just a response to the challenges we face—it’s a declaration of the kind of city we want to be,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “A city where everyone, regardless of their background, can walk down the street and feel safe, respected and valued. This campaign is a reminder that the strength of London lies in our diversity. Through awareness, action and allyship, we can foster a community where no one is left behind.”

“Racism, hate and discrimination have no place in Ontario and will never be tolerated,” says Graham McGregor, acting Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Our investments to combat hate in London will help to build stronger communities and support new programs to combat hate and racism. No matter where you come from or who you worship, our government will continue to take action so that everyone can practice their faith and express themselves freely and safely.”

“London’s neighborhoods should be places of safety, not places of tension,” says Sanjay Govindaraj, Director of Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression at the City of London. “Through the Stop Tolerhating campaign, we have the power to turn fear into hope and create a London where everyone can walk out their door without fear of harassment, judgment or violence—because this is our community, and it belongs to all of us.”