Vaughan mayor ‘disappointed’ after Pierre Trudeau’s statue vandalized

Thestar.com
August 17, 2020
Dina Al-Shibeeb

The statue of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau in a Vaughan park has been vandalized for the second time in two months.

The statue, in Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park near Bathurst Street and Clark Avenue, was sprayed with white paint and has the word “pedo” written on its base.

“I am disappointed to learn acts of vandalism are taking place in our city as these actions do not reflect the values Vaughan stands for,” Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua tweeted Sunday.

In an attachment to his tweet, Bevilacqua said that the late Trudeau “created opportunities for Canadians and newcomers,” allowing them to “live peacefully and free from discrimination.”

“These values must continue to be reflected in our city and country as we continue to build a fair, just and compassionate society,” he added.

In 1971, the former prime minister declared that Canada would adopt a multicultural policy, leading to the Canadian Multiculturalism Act where the country’s diversity societal segments are recognized and respected.

The mayor also added that York Region police is taking “immediate action” and launching a probe.

Just two months ago, police said they received a call from a resident on June 18 reporting that the face of the statue was spray-painted black. Police said at the time that the incident was being investigated as a hate crime.