EDMONTON—Liberal Leader Bob Rae made the following statement today on the vandalism of the Khalsa Community School in Brampton, ON:
“I would like to express my heartfelt feelings of sorrow, disappointment and regret at the inexcusable discriminatory actions which have befallen the Khalsa Community School.
To target an elementary school is truly an act of cowardice which, if nothing else, highlights the weakness of the perpetrators involved. Such acts must not diminish our resolve to fully embrace a Canada that includes Canadians from all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.
While we are lucky to live in a country like Canada, we must continue to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of equality, mutual respect and democracy upon which Canada was built. We must protect our religious freedoms from the few who resent the fact that Canada is a great country because of our diversity.
My thoughts, and those of my family, Caucus and fellow Canadians, are with Principal Grewal, his school and the community at this difficult time.”
Liberal Multicultural critic Jim Karygiannis continued:
“This malicious act has been committed by person or persons who practice hatred. I condemn this blatant act of hatred. This sort of hatred has no place in Canada. I believe that in Canada we must Respect our neighbours, Accept our differences, Celebrate our rich diversity and Embrace our heritage (R.A.C.E.).”
