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Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister

July 22, 2005 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Anne McLellan, today issued this statement in response to the July 21st declaration by 120 Canadian Imams:

"I welcome the declaration issued by Canadian Muslim leaders condemning the London bombings. Their unequivocal denunciation of terrorism sets an example for all Canadians, and the Government of Canada pledges our support for their efforts.

Security measures alone are not going to deal with the threat of terrorism; it must be opposed through our collective will. Canadian Muslims are integral to Canada's social and economic fabric and I applaud their efforts in speaking out to promote a peaceful and safe society. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting these efforts. The Cross Cultural Roundtable on Security, created under Canada's National Security Policy, is one example of our initiatives to foster dialogue.

I look forward to continuing to work with Canada's communities of faith, and with my colleagues at the national and international levels to combat extremism and hate in all of their forms and to create a safer country for us all."

For more information:

Lia Quickert
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-2874