Markham — Bob Saroya, Member of Parliament for Markham-Unionville, today expressed disgust and sadness at the string of “hate-motivated” assaults in the York region against the Asian community. He issued the following statement.
“The huge rise of Anti-Asian racism brought on by COVID-19 has been shocking. Racists have been emboldened by ignorant statements online, and now attacks against the Asian community have become common, even in a city as diverse as Markham. I have raised the issue of Anti-Asian racism in Parliament and held a town hall on the subject with community leaders.”
**My thoughts are with the victims of the crime and the Asian community at this time. No one should have to live in fear, concerned that they will be attacked based on the way they look.’¹
“I encourage anyone who is the victim of a hate crime or sees one occurring to come forward. Racists are only encouraged by silence. Reporting crimes allows the York Regional Police to better protect the community by getting criminals off the street.”
“I will always stand against discrimination and hare.”