Ottawa, September 2, 2013 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism, issued the following statement to condemn the acts of vandalism against the Islamic Association of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean’s mosque:
“This weekend, acts of vandalism were perpetrated against the Islamic Association of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean’s mosque. A substance believed to be pig blood was thrown on the mosque, and a letter containing hate speech was also left on site.
“I would like to add my voice, and that of the Government, to those of Quebeckers and all Canadians in denouncing and condemning these odious, repugnant, and cowardly acts.
“Citizens from across the country have already shared their consternation and denounced these acts perpetrated against worshippers at the Mosque of Saguenay – a reminder to those who commit such acts that Canadians are open and tolerant, and that we leave no room for bigotry and hatred in this country.
“I also remind the offenders that these acts are punishable under the Criminal Code.
“We live in a society that is open and respectful of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens, regardless of their religion
“As the Minister for Multiculturalism, I encourage all Canadians to vigorously denounce all forms of intolerance and hatred, and I urge anyone having any information concerning this matter to contact the responsible authorities in order to bring those who committed these acts of vandalism to justice as quickly as possible.”
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alexandra Fortier
Minister’s Office
819-994-2482
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
