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07/04/2004

NEWS RELEASE: CANADIANS MUST DISCOURAGE INTOLERANCE

Ottawa - April 7, 2004 - The Canadian Human Rights Commission strongly condemns the violence targeted at a Jewish school in Montreal.

"We join ranks with Canadians from all regions to express our deep sorrow for this terrible event", said Mary Gusella, Chief Commissioner. "It is all the more disturbing that these acts of violence have taken aim at a school, the very place where we teach our children to be open, curious and respectful of others."

"These events in Montreal and recent ones in the Greater Toronto Area are a strong reminder of the work still ahead of us to overcome hatred," added Ms. Gusella.

The role of the Canadian Human Rights Commission is to redress discrimination against individuals but also to correct persistent patterns of inequality, prevent discrimination before it occurs, inform the public about equality and identify emerging human rights issues.

"Canada has long been proud to call itself a multicultural country; I call upon my fellow citizens to discourage intolerant behaviour wherever and whenever they witness it," she concluded. 

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For more information:
Jean-Christophe Vlasiu
Communications Branch
(613) 943-9120