Durham Region launches ‘Together Against Hate Durham’; Nov. 7 conference in Ajax
The Region of Durham has launched Together Against Hate Durham, a three-phase initiative that includes an online resource toolkit and a full-day conference on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at the Ajax Community Centre. Registration closes Friday, Oct. 31.
The program offers residents and organizations materials on recognizing and reporting hate and a chance to provide input on policy recommendations that will be presented to Durham Regional Council.
The initiative is funded by a grant from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s National Anti-Racism Fund. It builds on ongoing work that includes developing a community-based hate reporting tool and community healing guidelines.
Phase one established a coalition of 39 community partners and launched a public awareness campaign to coordinate community-driven action. Phase two created a public education toolkit with mixed-media resources to help individuals recognize, report and respond to hate activity, and to support those affected. Phase three consists of hosting an Anti-Hate Conference and presenting policy recommendations and a hate activity dashboard to Durham Regional Council, guided by the Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce.
The resource toolkit, developed with input from the coalition, includes brochures, posters, postcards and videos. Topics cover recognizing and reporting hate, supporting victims, responding to hate, and a guide for youth. The materials are available online for download, printing or sharing at durham.ca/Anti-Hate.
The conference will focus on public awareness and education about hate-related issues. Participants can provide input on anti-hate policy recommendations for Durham Region. The event will feature a keynote speaker and a panel discussion.
The conference runs Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ajax Community Centre, 75 Centennial Road, Ajax. Registration is required by Friday, Oct. 31 at durham.ca/TogetherAgainstHateDurhamConference.
“Together Against Hate Durham is a call to action that reinforces the Region’s unwavering commitment to fostering places and spaces where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. By increasing education and raising awareness, we want to empower municipalities, community organizations, institutions, and individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to take meaningful action against hate in all its forms,” said Allison Hector-Alexander, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Region of Durham.