Etobicoke bakery vandalized with anti-Ukrainian graffiti
A bakery in Etobicoke has been vandalized with anti-Ukrainian graffiti amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Future Bakery, located near Highway 427 and the Gardiner Expressway, had a mural and a #StandWithUkraine banner on display that were defaced with derogatory comments.
In an interview with CP24 on Tuesday, owner of the bakery and former member of parliament Wrzesnewskyj expressed sadness over what he says amounted to a hate crime and an attempt at intimidation.
“We are saying stand with Ukraine at a time when in Europe a democratic country who has made its democratic choice to be part of a free Western Europe is facing an army of 130,000 Russian soldiers on the border, thousands of war machines, tanks, fighter planes, naval destroyers and all the intelligence shows that within days of Putin launching an attack, there will be over 50,000 dead civilians,” he said. “
It is very personal for many of us here, Ukrainian-Canadians.”
On Tuesday afternoon, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) released a statement in regards to the incident.
“The Ukrainian Canadian community is appalled by the hate crime that targeted a Ukrainian-owned business in Toronto,” they said.
“Future Bakery, which displayed a #StandWithUkraine banner to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people, was defaced under cover of night by cowards who support Russian president Putin’s kleptocratic, criminal regime.”
On Tuesday evening, Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a statement on the incident, stating that he stands with the Ukrainian community.
“The vandalism at Future Bakery is absolutely disgraceful,” he wrote on Twitter. “I have been clear: Ontario will not tolerate hate toward any group.”
Relations between Russia and Ukraine are extremely tense following the deployment of more than 100,000 Russian troops on Ukraine's border.
Talks between the U.S., the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and Russia have been unsuccessful, leading to fears of an imminent invasion.
With files from the Canadian Press.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump threatens to try to take back the Panama Canal. Panama's president balks at the suggestion
Donald Trump suggested Sunday that his new administration could try to regain control of the Panama Canal that the United States “foolishly” ceded to its Central American ally, contending that shippers are charged “ridiculous” fees to pass through the vital transportation channel linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Wrongfully convicted N.B. man has mixed feelings since exoneration
Robert Mailman, 76, was exonerated on Jan. 4 of a 1983 murder for which he and his friend Walter Gillespie served lengthy prison terms.
opinion Christmas movies for people who don't like Christmas movies
The holidays can bring up a whole gamut of emotions, not just love and goodwill. So CTV film critic Richard Crouse offers up a list of Christmas movies for people who might not enjoy traditional Christmas movies.
Can the Governor General do what Pierre Poilievre is asking? This expert says no
A historically difficult week for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government ended with a renewed push from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to topple this government – this time in the form a letter to the Governor General.
New York City police investigate death of woman found on fire in subway car
New York City Police on Sunday were seeking a man they believe is connected to the early morning death of a woman who was sleeping on a stationary subway train before she was intentionally lit on fire.
More than 7,000 Jeep SUVs recalled in Canada over camera display concern
A software issue potentially affecting the rearview camera display in select Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee models has prompted a recall of more than 7,000 vehicles.
'I'm still thinking pinch me': lost puppy reunited with family after five years
After almost five years of searching and never giving up hope, the Tuffin family received the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for: being reunited with their long-lost puppy.
10 hospitalized after suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in Ottawa's east end
The Ottawa Police Service says ten people were taken to hospital, with one of them in life-threatening condition, after being exposed to suspected carbon monoxide in the neighbourhood of Vanier on Sunday morning.
Pickup truck driver killed by police after driving through Texas mall and injuring 5
A pickup truck driver fleeing police careened through the doors of a JCPenney store in Texas and continued through a busy mall, injuring five people before he was fatally shot by officers, authorities said.