Report a Hate Crime in Saguenay, Quebec

Civil Rights and Equity Quebec 3 Minutes Read · published May 26, 2026 Flag of Quebec

In Saguenay, Quebec, reporting a suspected hate crime to police helps protect individuals and the community and starts the criminal or administrative process. This guide explains whom to contact, what evidence to gather, and the practical steps for filing a report with local authorities so the incident can be investigated and, if warranted, charged under Canadian law.

When to report

Report immediately if anyone is in danger or if a violent incident has occurred. For non-emergencies, document details and contact local police to file a formal report so investigators can assess whether the incident meets the Criminal Code criteria for a hate-motivated offence; see federal definitions for hate propaganda and hate-motivated offences Criminal Code, s.318[1] and related provisions.

How police handle reports

When you report, police record the complaint, create an occurrence file, and decide whether to open a criminal investigation or refer to other agencies. The federal approach to investigating and supporting victims of hate crimes is summarized by the Department of Justice Canada Hate crimes information[2]. In Saguenay, local investigators from the municipal police service or the provincial police unit will manage the file and liaise with prosecutors where appropriate.

Penalties & Enforcement

Hate crimes are prosecuted under the Criminal Code; penalties depend on the specific offence charged. Monetary fines for hate crimes are not specified on the cited federal Criminal Code page and vary by offence and sentencing provisions; see the Criminal Code citation for details Criminal Code, s.318[1].

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; amounts depend on the charged offence and sentencing regime under the Criminal Code.
  • Imprisonment and non-monetary penalties: offences may carry custodial sentences or other court-ordered sanctions as set out in the Criminal Code.
  • Orders and seizures: courts may issue restraining orders or property measures where authorized by law.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: local investigators from the Service de police de Saguenay (or provincial police where applicable) receive complaints and start investigations; use the municipal police contact page to file or escalate a report Service de police de Saguenay - contact[3].
  • Appeal and review: criminal charges and sentences can be reviewed through the provincial and federal court appeal process; specific time limits depend on the charge and procedural rules and are not specified on the cited federal pages.
If a specific monetary penalty or time limit is not listed on the official page, the page will state "not specified on the cited page".

Applications & Forms

No special municipal form is required to report a hate crime; reports are taken as police complaints or occurrences. For referrals to civil remedies (human rights complaints), the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse provides complaint intake forms; see Help and Support / Resources below for that link.

Practical evidence checklist

  • Keep a written timeline of events, dates, times and locations.
  • Preserve digital evidence: screenshots, messages, emails and social media posts.
  • Collect witness names and contact information.
  • Do not alter the scene if an ongoing violent incident requires investigators to preserve evidence.
If the incident is violent or immediate risk exists, call 911 before preserving evidence.

Action steps

  • Ensure safety and seek emergency help if needed.
  • Document and preserve all evidence promptly.
  • Contact local police to file an occurrence and request an investigator.
  • Consider civil remedies or human rights complaints through provincial channels if applicable.

FAQ

What counts as a hate crime?
A hate crime is a criminal act motivated by bias, prejudice or hatred against a protected characteristic; legal definitions are in the Criminal Code and applied by police and prosecutors.
How do I report anonymously?
You can provide information anonymously to police or tip lines, but anonymity may limit the ability to investigate; discuss confidentiality and victim support with investigators.
Will police prosecute every report?
Police assess evidence and may refer cases to prosecutors; not every report results in charges, but police should record and investigate credible complaints.

How-To

  1. Ensure immediate safety and call 911 for emergencies.
  2. Preserve and document evidence: photos, messages, witnesses.
  3. Contact local police to file an occurrence and provide all details and evidence.
  4. Request victim services and ask about next steps for investigation and protection orders.
  5. Consider filing a human rights complaint with the provincial commission if discrimination is present.

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly to police to start an investigation.
  • Preserve evidence and witness details to strengthen the file.
  • Criminal penalties and procedures are governed by the Criminal Code and provincial courts.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Criminal Code, s.318 (hate propaganda) - Justice Laws
  2. [2] Department of Justice Canada - Hate crimes overview
  3. [3] Service de police de Saguenay - contact

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