Ottawa police are probing 80 hate-based crimes since January, said Detective Dan Dunlop of that city's bias crime unit. Farber blamed the increase on a lack of police will to fight. Antoni Shelton, executive director of the Urban Alliance on Race Relations , agreed racist attacks are on the rise and blamed neo-fascist groups and their successful youth recruitment drives. Three arrests were pending in that melee yesterday. In Kitchener last week, a man and a youth were charged after a Jewish store owner confronted three people, two wearing Nazi regalia, and a fight ensued.
Police describe the attack as unprovoked and racially motivated.
It's the first instance of bigotry the man's family has encountered in Canada, said his cousin, Para Sinnathurai, 40. Described by fellow restaurant workers as quiet and friendly, Vinasithamby fled to Canada two years ago to escape persecution after the Sri-Lankan army took over his village, his cousin said. He had taught high school science there while working toward a bachelor of science degree, Sinnathurai said. His wife has a bachelor of economics degree and is studying English and typing so she can get a job.