B.C. minister 'cannot remain silent' about increasing anti-Asian hate crimes
Anne Kang says she is 'compelled ... to speak out against these vicious acts'
British Columbia's minister responsible for multiculturalism says she can no longer remain silent about the rising number of hate crimes toward people of Asian heritage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, Anne Kang says she is deeply saddened by the recent rise in physical and verbal attacks as well as an increase in vandalism.
Kang says she is "compelled as a government representative, immigrant and British Columbian to speak out against these vicious acts."
Anti-asian crimes spiking
The Vancouver Police Department has said that the reports of anti-Asian, hate-related crimes spiked in April, with 11 reported last month alone, compared with 12 for the entire year of 2019.
Kang, who moved to Canada from Taiwan, said the pandemic is affecting everyone and "acts of violence and aggression will not be tolerated."
She says kindness will bring us through this global health crisis stronger than ever.
Deep roots in the province
"Chinese Canadians have deep roots in this province," Kang says.
"Over many generations, Chinese Canadians have worked alongside all British Columbians to build the vibrant, multicultural society we enjoy today."
Kang has called on victims or witnesses to report hate crimes to police and urges all B.C. residents to "stand together and condemn these actions that seek to divide."