How do I report a hate crime in Winnipeg?

Call 911 for emergencies or contact the Winnipeg Police Service through their non-emergency reporting pages for incidents that are not urgent.

Can the City remove hateful graffiti?

Yes, the City of Winnipeg can order removal of graffiti on city property; report the location through the city bylaw or service request pages.

Should I file with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission?

If the incident involves discrimination in services, employment, or housing, you can file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission following the instructions on their site.

Winnipeg Police and Bylaw Roles in Hate Incidents

Civil Rights and Equity Manitoba 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, responses to hate incidents involve multiple authorities: the Winnipeg Police Service for criminal investigations, City of Winnipeg bylaw officers for municipal contraventions on city property, and provincial human rights processes for discriminatory conduct. This article explains who enforces which rules, how to report incidents, likely sanctions, and practical next steps for victims and witnesses. It links to official reporting pages and to the provincial human rights complaint process so readers can act promptly. If an incident is violent or poses immediate danger, contact police directly.

Penalties & Enforcement

Responsibility for enforcement depends on the nature of the incident. Criminal conduct (hate-motivated assault, threats, hate propaganda) is investigated by the Winnipeg Police Service; municipal contraventions such as graffiti or disorderly conduct on city property are handled by City of Winnipeg bylaw enforcement; discriminatory treatment in services, employment, or housing may be pursued with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. Specific monetary fines and escalations for hate-related municipal contraventions are not specified on the cited City of Winnipeg bylaw pages. Winnipeg Police Service^[1] handles criminal investigations; City of Winnipeg By-law Enforcement^[2] handles municipal contraventions; the Manitoba Human Rights Commission^[3] handles human rights complaints. Current details are not specified on those pages and are provided here as guidance only; if a cited page lists dates, follow the page's update note, otherwise information is current as of February 2026.

Enforcer: Winnipeg Police Service for Criminal Code offences and investigations.
Enforcer: City of Winnipeg By-law Enforcement for municipal offences on city property.
Review body: Manitoba Human Rights Commission for non-criminal discrimination complaints.

If an incident is criminal or violent, call police immediately.

Applications & Forms

There is no special municipal "hate incident" permit. To initiate action:

Report crimes or suspicious activity to Winnipeg Police via their contact/reporting pages. Report to police^[1]
File a human rights complaint through the Manitoba Human Rights Commission complaint process; see the Commission site for forms and submission instructions. Manitoba HRC complaints^[3]
To report graffiti or municipal property damage, contact City of Winnipeg By-law Enforcement or use the city’s online reporting tools. City bylaw reporting^[2]

Common Violations and Typical Responses

Hate-motivated assault or threats - criminal investigation by police; potential charges under the Criminal Code (penalties depend on charges).
Hate propaganda or public displays of hateful symbols - may attract criminal or provincial enforcement depending on content and location.
Graffiti or property damage with hateful content - municipal removal orders and bylaw action; fines or remediation orders may apply but are not specified on the cited city pages.
Discriminatory refusal of service or harassment in employment or housing - human rights complaint to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

Preserve evidence: photos, messages, witness names, and timestamps support police or human rights complaints.

Enforcement Process, Appeals and Time Limits

Investigation: Winnipeg Police investigate criminal allegations; complainants will be advised of next steps via the police contact listed on the police site.^[1]
Municipal orders: City bylaw officers may issue removal or remediation orders; the city pages do not list specific fine schedules for hate-related municipal contraventions on the cited page.
Human rights complaints: the Manitoba Human Rights Commission sets filing requirements and timelines on its site; consult that page for forms and deadlines.^[3]

FAQ

How do I report a hate crime in Winnipeg?: Call 911 for emergencies or contact the Winnipeg Police Service through their non-emergency reporting pages for incidents that are not urgent.^[1]
Can the City remove hateful graffiti?: Yes, the City of Winnipeg can order removal of graffiti on city property; report the location through the city bylaw or service request pages.^[2]
Should I file with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission?: If the incident involves discrimination in services, employment, or housing, you can file a complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission following the instructions on their site.^[3]

Reporting to both police and the Human Rights Commission may be appropriate for different remedies.

How-To

Ensure safety: if there is immediate danger, call 911.
Preserve evidence: photograph damage, save messages, and record witness details.
Report to police via the Winnipeg Police Service reporting page and obtain an incident or occurrence number.^[1]
If applicable, file a human rights complaint with the Manitoba Human Rights Commission using their complaint form and instructions.^[3]
Report municipal property offences such as graffiti to City of Winnipeg By-law Enforcement for removal and follow-up.^[2]

Key Takeaways

Criminal acts are handled by Winnipeg Police; municipal contraventions by City bylaw officers; discrimination claims by Manitoba HRC.
Preserve evidence and obtain incident numbers to support investigations and complaints.