The recent vandalism of a Toronto war memorial has raised the ire of Canada's Ministry of Veterans Affairs and launched the federal government on a mission to impose stronger punishments against those who damage a monument commemorating Canadians who died in war.

The reaction comes after four males were caught on video tape damaging and vandalizing a First World War memorial in front of Toronto's Malvern Collegiate on Sunday.

Letters from a special inscription were cracked off the memorial and the statue was covered in blue duct tape.

The statue, a man holding chains in one hand and a sword in the other, had been recently restored and a rededication ceremony was held last week.

It was the second year in a row that the statue was vandalized in the days leading up to Remembrance Day.

"I was appalled and saddened when I heard of the vandalism of the war memorial at Malvern Collegiate," Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney said in a statement.

"Our cenotaphs and monuments are powerful reminders of the sacrifices that generations of Canadians have made for the peace and freedom we enjoy today."

Blaney said he was backing a private member's bill that would impose stiffer penalties against those who vandalize property, cenotaphs and war memorials that honour Canadians who died as a consequence of war.

Private Member's Bill C-217 would set a mandatory minimum penalty of $1,000 for the first offence, 14 days in prison for the second conviction and 30 days in prison for any further related offences.

"Our government understands that our war memorials are sacred gathering places within our communities. As Canadians, we have a duty as a nation to preserve them in honour of our fallen men and women, our veterans and those who continue to serve Canada today," Blaney said.

The Toronto District School Board expressed outrage over the vandalism on Monday, calling the desecration an appalling act that devastated the school community.

Principal Line Pinard said surveillance video captured four young men approach the school and spend about 15 minutes defacing the statue. She said one person could be seen hanging from the statue's arm and others could be seen laughing and taking pictures on their cell phones.

"I have to tell you that what took place on the weekend is absolutely devastating to many of us. I am appalled at what happened," Pinard told media on Monday.

Pinard said police have the video footage and are investigating. Fingerprints taken from the duct tape are also being studied.

The statue was also damaged in the week leading up to Remembrance Day last year. A hand from the statue was smashed off and found lying nearby.