It is with great concern and sadness that I learned of the fire last night that destroyed a mosque in Surrey, British Columbia. Should police and fire investigators discover that this was a deliberate act, I hope the perpetrators are brought quickly to justice, for Canada is a country of peace and tolerance. Canadians abhor any cowardly and vicious act of hate.

Aline joins me in our relief at the news that no one was injured. Our thoughts are with the Muslim community in Surrey – and with Muslims across Canada – whose places of worship should be safe retreats of spiritual calm.