MARKHAM, Ont. – Just as Ontario releases the results of an inquiry into a series of assaults on Asian-Canadian anglers last summer, police say the problem persists despite efforts to curb it.
Over the last two months, a number of Asians have reported harassment from citizens who ask to see their fishing permits and catch.
York police Chief Armand La Barge says it’s a trend that started about two months ago after the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters published an article urging members to question Asian fishermen.
Calling it just another example of racial profiling, La Barge says the group has realized its mistake and removed the article from its website – but such incidents are still occurring.
The report by the Ontario Human Rights Commission released today outlined some 50 commitments aimed at preventing incidents of assault and harassment in the future.
The commitments are the result of consultations with 21 community organizations, and initiatives range from information brochures to providing racial profiling training to conservation officers.
Police in Georgina, where many of the incidents occurred, will also launch a project this fishing season aimed at monitoring popular fishing sites for problems.
The inquiry was launched last November after at least eight Asian anglers were assaulted in various places in southern Ontario.
