The follow statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills:

Mr. Speaker, I ask that the members of this Honourable House join me, and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, in condemning the horrific attack that took place Sunday in London, Ontario and the Islamophobia it clearly represents.

This was an attack on the Muslim community which took the lives of a grandmother, mother, father and a daughter, leaving a young son with serious injuries. It was an attack of cowardice and evil.

Our hearts are with the Muslim community and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones hurt by this terrible act of hate and terror. This morning I spoke with Dr. Mansoor Pirzada, President of the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. I offered Dr. Pirzada both my personal condolences as well as condolences on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, I know the Muslim community is rightfully worried about their safety and their valued place in this community. I wish to reassure that you are valued, respected, and supported during this difficult time. This province stands with you.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the danger and the horror caused by discrimination in its most brutal form.

Work on establishing a Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism, that will include the Ministers of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills; Justice and Public Safety; and Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, has already begun

Recognizing the systemic, persistent nature of racism, the Committee will be seeking input from residents, community organizations, employers, educators, researchers, and others on their experiences, so we can develop tools to end racism, in all of its forms.

Mr. Speaker, this is not the Canada we stand for. Violence has no place here. We must do better.