Ottawa, October 2, 2012 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to condemn the acts of vandalism against Prince Edward Island’s first mosque:
Any act of vandalism is deplorable. But vandalism against houses of worship is particularly cowardly and hateful. It is even more deplorable when such acts are accompanied with threats to intimidate an entire community.
Last Thursday, vandals left threatening messages at the Masjid Dar As-Salam Mosque in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. A wine bottle containing gasoline was also found on the front doorsteps of the mosque. This hateful act follows other incidents which also threatened the safety of the mosque’s worshippers.
These despicable acts offend the fundamental values upon which our country was built and which we are all proud of – freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. I also remind the offenders that these hateful acts are punishable under the Criminal Code.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I call on all Canadians to reject all forms of invidious racism, intolerance and bigotry.
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
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
