Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed media on Tuesday, announcing a commitment of $759,762 to "Block Hate: Building Resilience against Online Hate Speech" through YWCA Canada.
Funds will go towards researching hate speech trends in Canada "and work with experts to develop online tools and digital literacy training for young Canadians aged 14 to 30."
"The pandemic has increased the amount of time we spend in front of our screen. and while the digital space is powerful, it's not without issues. Online hate is all too common, and all too often, it can spill over into real life," said Trudeau.
WATCH: Trudeau announces commitment in fight against online hate speech and extremism.
— ROBERTO WAKERELL-CRUZ ?? (@Robertopedia) October 20, 2020
He doesn’t say it here, but it’s just under $800,000 going towards a program by the YWCA. pic.twitter.com/GvgyvPMnyq
"This is an important project, and I know it will help keep our communities safe," the prime minister continued.
A news release from the Trudeau government says that the project will aim to strengthen the way people "respond to online hate speech and create safer online spaces for young Canadians impacted by hate speech by providing best practices on how to respond."
“The experience that Canadians have online should be free from hate and fear, and empowering young Canadians to speak out against online hate in a safe way is an important step," said Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair in a statement. "Working together, we can promote an online culture that fosters the respectful exchange of ideas and prevents racism, hate, and violence.”
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland also said that details for process which will enable businesses who do not operate from a business banking account, but have qualifying payroll or non-deferable expenses to apply for CEBA, will be announced soon, with proposed legislation coming "very soon."