Ottawa, October 30, 2012 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to condemn the reprehensible act of violence against the Coptic Orthodox Christian Church of Archangel Michael and St. Tekla in Brampton, Ontario:
Acts of senseless violence against places of worship and their faithful are shameful and outright deplorable. They are contrary to the values that make Canada the best country in the world.
Early Friday morning, the Brampton Fire Department arrived at the Coptic Orthodox Christian Church of Archangel Michael and St. Tekla after a fire bomb smashed through a church basement window, damaging walls, floors, and furniture.
This was the work of cowards.
Our thoughts are with the congregation, members of the community in Brampton, and everyone else affected by a despicable act that is punishable under the Criminal Code.
Canada is a strong, peaceful, pluralistic nation that will not stand for crimes of intolerance and bigotry. Our country is built upon foundations that include freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, democracy, and the rule of law.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I call on all Canadians to categorically reject all forms of intolerance and bigotry against communities of faith, and I ask that anyone with information please contact the appropriate authorities.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexis Pavlich
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
