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

Dozens Displaced After Fire At Downtown Vancouver Social Housing Complex

Dozens of people were displaced Saturday by a two-alarm fire in a downtown Vancouver social housing complex, but most were expected to return later that evening.

Dozens Displaced After Fire At Downtown Vancouver Social Housing Complex

Canadian Cities To Tame Downtown White Elephants Of 'Wrong-headed Planning'

After the colossal Georgia Viaduct was built in 1972, a grassroots uproar stopped the construction of what would have been a multi-lane expressway.

Canadian Cities To Tame Downtown White Elephants Of 'Wrong-headed Planning'

Avian Flu Response Gets $300,000 Funding Boost From Canada And B.C. Governments

The federal and British Columbia governments are investing $300,000 to step up avian flu surveillance, early detection and response efforts.

Avian Flu Response Gets $300,000 Funding Boost From Canada And B.C. Governments

Tax Rates Changes And TFSA Limit Reduction Means Reviewing Your Financial Plan

The vast majority of Canadians will not be affected by the new tax bracket for income over $200,000 a year, but everyone will see their tax-free savings account contribution limit be reduced back to $5,500 for 2016.

Tax Rates Changes And TFSA Limit Reduction Means Reviewing Your Financial Plan

Murder Charges Laid In Deadly Alberta Convenience Store Robberies

Laylin Delorme, 24, Colton Steinhauer, 27, and the youth who can't be named were arrested Friday morning.

Murder Charges Laid In Deadly Alberta Convenience Store Robberies

Social Media Playing Key Role As Syrian Refugees Arrive In Canada

Val Macdonald says it only took a few minutes before a little red notification popped up on her Facebook page after posting about donations for a Syrian refugee family.