Canadian minister of public safety condemns New Zealand shootings

Canada’s minister of public safety, Ralph Goodale, has condemned the mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, that killed 49 people.

“Hearts are aching around the world today as all decent people share the anguish in New Zealand and among Muslim communities,” Goodale said in Kelowna, B.C., on Friday morning.

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“We’ve seen a similar sort of thing in Canada a couple of years ago at Sainte-Foy, and we join in the grief and the horror that this type of an event would occur. And we stand in solidarity with our New Zealand allies and with Muslim communities at home and abroad.

“Hatred, Islamaphobia and right-wing extremist violence have no place in any society. Everyone should be able to practice their religion peacefully and safely without fear.”

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Goodale said he would be later speaking to his New Zealand counterpart, Minister of Justice Andrew Little, to offer Canada’s support and solidarity.

Goodale also said he’ll be in constant contact with Canadian national security officials, and that Canada’s threat level remains at medium, as it has been since 2014.

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Ralph Goodale, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, middle, speaks to the media about the mass shootings in New Zealand while in Kelowna. At right is Kelowna-Lake Country Liberal MP Stephen Fuhr.

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“Attacking innocent people during prayers is appalling. We condemn in the strongest terms the act of terrorism that took place yesterday. All Canadians join New Zealanders and Muslim communities around the world in grieving.”

Goodale said the RCMP is working with local police across the country to ensure public safety.

“The government of Canada is unwavering in its commitment to protect the safety and security of Canadians and to defend this nation’s values. Canada’s national security intelligence and police agencies take all appropriate actions to counter terrorist threats to Canada and its citizens and our interests around the world.”