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Hate and Intolerance are unacceptable in Canada
Representing an area where there are large numbers of visible minorities, I feel alarmed at having to write a report like this. Common sense says we should all try and get along with each other and respect each other.
Recently there have been incidents in Vaughan, Toronto and Richmond Hill that are totally unacceptable. Painting swastika’s on homes and schools, destroying grave sites, damaging places of worship. These do not happen in the Toronto that I know and love. It is necessary to speak out on this subject. The perpetrators may otherwise think there is some acceptance and it is anything but the truth.
At a rally put on by the United Jewish Federation, Premier McGuinty, Art Eggleton representing Prime Minister Martin, Toronto Mayor David Miller all spoke in strong terms that our Toronto is one of diversity. Our two Police Chiefs Labarge and Fantino talked strongly of capturing the culprits but also finding this crime totally unacceptable. Rewards have been made available to catch the criminals. There is no room for hate and doing this to one group only makes it possible to do it to another. They all discussed the need for everyone to discuss ‘hate’ and ‘hate crimes’. They all said that there is no room for hate in our Community.
It was encouraging to hear letters of support from all the major faith and ethnic organizations. No matter what the politics in other places in the World, this is Canada, and the diversity and melting is what makes it special and beautiful.
These current actions that have taken place have the effect of scaring many people who were already scared, from life experiences in Concentration camps. These type actions hurt nice people and make them uncomfortable to live in our country. York Region residents scared to leave their homes. The people who are doing this do not deserve to be Canadians. One of the speakers said aptly, that there can be no greater failure in getting along than ‘hate’. The Criminals are Cowards!
Richmond Hill is a diverse community. My Ward hosts people from many nationalities, religions and organizations. We must live in harmony. There is no reason to not look at each other the same. It is the beauty of living here. I feel a need to send this message, because it does not matter who the hate, or discomfort is towards, it is unacceptable!
Talk about this subject with those you work with, those you are friends with, those you love. It is in that way that we can end intolerance to all races, religions and even disabilities.
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