London, Ont. police board says 'act of anti-Muslim hate' not isolated, calls for National Action Summit
The London Police Services Board (LPSB) says they are joining the community in condemning the act of anti-Muslim hate that left a family torn apart and the city in mourning.
The LPSB issued a statement Wednesday from Chair Dr. Javeed Sukhera following Sunday’s attack on Hyde Park Road that left four members of the Afzaal family dead and a young boy in hospital.
“The LPSB cannot pretend that what occurred was unthinkable or isolated.”
Sukhera wrote that the board has had two Muslim Chairs over the last years, but with that has come firsthand knowledge of “hate, vitriol and slurs directed at the Board Chairs.”
“The vitriol increases anytime we, as a Board, acknowledge systemic discrimination. It is unacceptable. We cannot deny nor turn away from this truth.”
The statement says that the board has heard from the Muslim community that many live in fear within London.
Even members of the police board say they do not feel safe in the city due to the colour of their skin or their faith.
“We will continue to work together to dismantle white supremacy for the safety of all racialized, Black, Indigenous, and equity seeking communities. The LPSB cannot and will not pretend that this is an isolated incident.”
The LPSB is joining the London Muslim Mosque in calling for a National Action Summitt on Islamophobia at all levels of government.
“Together, we can, must, and will bring justice by committing to listen, act, and do better, until all of us, regardless of our religion or ethnicity, feel safe again,” wrote Sukhera.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Documents reveal Canada praised Haitian sanctioned over alleged gangland connections
A Canadian diplomat and an RCMP officer heaped praise and gratitude on a sanctioned Haitian businessman that Global Affairs accuses of gangland connections, after he allowed a helicopter airlift of Canadian citizens and police at his luxury golf course last month, emails provided by his lawyers suggest.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Minister said 'hundreds' of Canadians might use Gaza visa. More than 7,500 applied.
An immigration lawyer in Toronto says new figures from the federal government show just how 'grudging' Ottawa's efforts have been to rescue Canadians' family members from the war in the Gaza Strip.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.