News Release

Mayor, Councillor Condemn “Despicable Acts of Vandalism”

(Monday, November 14/05)-- Mayor Peter Kelly and Dartmouth Councillor Gloria McCluskey today condemned a series of acts of vandalism over the weekend, in which several Dartmouth homes, businesses and a vehicle were painted with racial slurs and obscenities aimed at the Lebanese community and other groups.

“The person or persons who did this are not welcome in our community and they certainly do not represent the feelings of our community towards our Lebanese friends, neighbours and business community,” Mayor Kelly said. “On behalf of Halifax Regional Council and the good citizens of HRM, I offer our sincere apologies to members of the Lebanese community and others for these despicable and cowardly acts.”

The Mayor praised members of the Lebanese community for the significant contribution they have made, and continue to make, to the HRM culture, the business community and the overall unique and diverse quality of life that the citizens of HRM enjoy.

“These senseless acts of vandalism are not only hurtful and embarrassing to those to whom they are directed, but they are hurtful and insulting to all citizens of HRM. Racists and bigots are not welcome in this community and we will not condone these cowardly acts,” said Councillor McCluskey. “At a time when we are reaching out through our Immigration Strategy to make our community more welcoming to immigrants, these ignorant and narrow-minded individuals cast a dark shadow over our entire community.”

Mayor Kelly and Councillor McCluskey said it is Council’s hope that police will apprehend those involved in the racial graffiti attacks very soon and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.

Anyone having information about these crimes is asked to contact Halifax Regional Police at 490-5020 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

–30--
Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010

Councillor Gloria McCluskey
District 5- Dartmouth Centre
(902) 476-1667