Anandasangaree admits he hasn’t met with 123 churches burned or vandalized
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree hasn’t met with a single Christian congregation targeted by hate-motivated arson.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree hasn’t met with a single Christian congregation targeted by hate-motivated arson even though 123 churches have been burned, vandalized or desecrated in the past four years.
The revelation surfaced during a House of Commons public safety committee meeting on Thursday.
“Are you aware that 123 churches have been burned, vandalized or desecrated in just the last four years in Canada?” Conservative MP Dane Lloyd asked the minister.
Anandasangaree, who has faced criticism over several issues since taking on the portfolio, nodded before acknowledging he was “aware a number of places of worship including churches have been vandalized, yes.”
“Have you met with any of those congregations?” Lloyd pressed.
“I have not met with those specific congregations,” Anandasangaree replied. “But I have met, um, with many members of churches and faith groups.”
“You haven’t met with any members of congregations of churches that have been subject to hate crimes over the last four years in this country?” Lloyd asked again.
“I have not,” Anandasangaree reconfirmed.
“Is it because hate crimes against Christians aren’t a priority for this government?” Lloyd followed up.
“That is absolutely incorrect,” the minister responded.
“Well, you said you’ve met with synagogues and mosques — which I do appreciate, as those communities need your support — but Christian communities also need your support. Why haven’t you met with any of those communities?” Lloyd asked.
Although he acknowledged not meeting with any congregations affected by church arsons or vandalism, Anandasangaree said he meets with “Christian faith leaders across Canada all the time.”