TORONTO, September 27, 2007 - The Canadian Race Relations Foundation condemns what appears to be a series of racially-motivated hate attacks on Asian Canadians which have been reported in the Sutton, Ontario area. The most recent incident has left the victim in a very serious condition, according to reports.
"It is very disturbing that the police are refusing to investigate these attacks as being racially-motivated," observed Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini, Senior Executive Vice President of the Foundation. "Not only is a derogatory term applied to these incidents, but it also demonstrates the lack of understanding or the state of denial that plagues many of our institutions about the state of racism in Canada."
"Increasingly, the CRRF has been hearing of increased attacks against Asian Canadians, particularly in British Columbia and in New Brunswick where Asian students were attacked and a businessman threatened. I sincerely hope that we are not witnessing a growing trend."
"The CRRF is calling on the York Regional Police to investigate these incidents with the seriousness they deserve, not as youthful pranks. Lives are in danger here," concluded Yassini.
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) was founded as part of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement to shed light on the causes and manifestations of racism and to play a leading role in the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and in bringing about a more harmonious Canada. The CRRF has registered charitable status and has Special NGO Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.