McCallum Issues Statement on Vancouver Pepper Spray Incident

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship issued a statement on an incident in Vancouver where a group of approximately 100 people were attacked with pepper spray outside the Muslim Association of Canada (M.A.C).

McCallum said he was horrified when heard of the attack.  “That the group was there to attend an event welcoming them to Canada only makes this attack even more infuriating, and reprehensible,” McCallum said.  Among the group were an unknown number of Syrian refugees themselves.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship John McCallum
Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship John McCallum

The group was among 100 people standing outside the building waiting for a bus when an unknown man approached on his bicycle, and pepper sprayed the group.  “As Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, I wish all of the victims of last night’s attack a quick recovery,” McCallum said.

The attacker fled on his bike west on Kingsway.  Police describe the suspect as having a slim build and wearing a white or gray  hooded sweater.  At this point they have no motive, and the investigation is ongoing.

The M.A.C. released a statement on the incident saying it doesn’t outweigh the welcome many refugees have received.  “It is important to note that the incident is dwarfed by the level of generosity and welcome from Canadians across the country.”

Milton Ontario Welcomes Syrian Refugees

Milton welcomed Syrian refugees on January 8 at Teatro Conference Centre.  The event was a fundraising dinner organized by Milton Muslim Moms.  One of the first Syrian refugee families to settle in the Milton area were in attendance as well.  They were recognized multiple times by dignitaries and presented with flowers.

 

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