National

'This Isn't Who We Are': Justin Trudeau Condemns Attack On Syrian Refugees In Vancouver

The Canadian Press, 09 Jan, 2016 12:13 PM

VANCOUVER — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned an alleged attack on Syrian refugees Friday night in Vancouver.

Police say they are looking for a suspect after more than a dozen Syrian refugees were pepper sprayed.

I condemn the attack on Syrian refugees in Vancouver. This isn't who we are - and doesn't reflect the warm welcome Canadians have offered.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 9, 2016

The attack happened outside the Muslim Association of Canada Centre during a "welcome night" event for newly arrived Syrian refugees.

City police say a crowd of men, women and children had gathered outside the centre when a man wearing a white hoodie apparently rode by on a bicycle and sprayed 15 to 30 people.

Witnesses said several of those who were hit started coughing and complaining of burning eyes.

Police say a number of people were treated on scene, but there was no word of any serious injuries.

Last night’s pepper spray incident was a disgusting display of hate - and Vancouver won’t stand for it. #VanWelcomesRefugees and always will
— Gregor Robertson (@MayorGregor) January 9, 2016

Trudeau wrote on Twitter that "This isn't who we are - and doesn't reflect the warm welcome Canadians have offered."

Investigators say it's too early to comment on a possible motive for the attack.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Most In Canada: Report Says One In Three Manitoba Children Living In Poverty

Sid Frankel, one of the report's authors, says more children in Manitoba are slipping into poverty despite a provincial strategy introduced in 2009.

Most In Canada: Report Says One In Three Manitoba Children Living In Poverty

Overdose Deaths Could Be Reduced If More B.C. Doctors Used Database: Report

The report by the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS says opioids such as oxycodone are increasingly being overprescribed for patients who become dependent on the medication.

Overdose Deaths Could Be Reduced If More B.C. Doctors Used Database: Report

Ontrio Police Denounce Trophy Hunting After Headless Deer Carcasses Found

Police say a resident found the carcasses — which were missing their heads and fur — around noon Monday in North Dumfries, near Cambridge.

Ontrio Police Denounce Trophy Hunting After Headless Deer Carcasses Found

Shaida Bandali, Former Rouge Valley Hospital Clerk Fined $36,000 For Selling Patient Information

Former hospital clerk Shaida Bandali has been sentenced to two years' probation, 300 hours of community service and $45,000 in penalties for handing over the personal information of new mothers to investment dealers

Shaida Bandali, Former Rouge Valley Hospital Clerk Fined $36,000 For Selling Patient Information

Wounded Oct. 22 Officer Tells His Story As 20 Honoured For Bravery

Const. Samearn Son was one of 20 parliamentary security officers and Mounties honoured Monday at RCMP headquarters for their bravery on Oct. 22 of last year.

Wounded Oct. 22 Officer Tells His Story As 20 Honoured For Bravery

Apparent Provincial Climate Unity Gives Trudeau Tailwind En Route To Paris

A meeting of Canada's first ministers Monday in Ottawa — the first in almost seven years — ended with 11 provinces and territories humming from the same environmental hymn book as Trudeau's newly elected Liberals.