March 13, 2010
Source: The Vancouver Sun
Eight of Edmonton's most frequently vandalized religious and ethnic centres will soon boast enhanced security, federal minister of public safety Vic Toews said on Friday.
His head covered with a yellow bandana in accordance with Sikh tradition, Toews made the announcement to a small crowd of Sikhs and other religious minorities gathered at the Sikh temple on Millwoods Road.
"The unfortunate reality is that although Canada is a very welcoming nation, it is not immune from violent acts that target individuals or groups based on their race, culture, religion, or identity," he said, noting that police reported more than 800 hate crimes across Canada in 2007. Of those, 185 of them were directed at religions.