April 05, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

It is with a mixture of sadness, indignation and revulsion that I learned this morning about the unspeakable crime committed against the United Talmud Torah School in Montreal.

Although, thankfully, no one was injured, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – that can justify such an act. It is against the values espoused by all Canadians, against everything that defines a civilized, open and tolerant society.

We must all utterly condemn this cowardly and racist act, and draw together to fight such an abomination which, like cancer, undermines the harmonious relations among diverse communities that make Canada an example throughout the world.

On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express our solidarity toward the Jewish community in Montreal and across Canada. Your fight for a society that is free of all racism is one that is shared by us all.