Government of Ontario adopts and recognizes IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism

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Ontario Legislative Building

On October 27, 2020 the Government of Ontario issued the following statement:

Government of Ontario Adopts and Recognizes IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism

Yesterday, the Ontario government took swift and decisive action to adopt and recognize the Working Definition of Antisemitism as adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Plenary on May 26, 2016 (1).

“After a heinous act of antisemitism at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa this weekend, it is crucial that all governments be clear and united in fighting antisemitism, and our adoption of the working definition has done just that,” said the Hon. Paul Calandra, Government House Leader.

“The Government of Ontario is proud to adopt and recognize the working definition of antisemitism,” Minister Calandra continued. “We stand with Ontario’s Jewish community in defence of their rights and fundamental freedoms as we always have and always will.”

In 2016, the IHRA Plenary adopted a working definition of antisemitism which has been widely accepted by governments around the world. IHRA is an international intergovernmental organization with 34 member countries, including Canada.

[(1) International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance “Working Definition of Antisemitism.” For further information, visit: https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/working-definition-antisemitism.]