I thank @YRP for identifying and arresting individuals responsible for the horrific murder of Aleem Farooqi in his home this past August. This senseless act shattered a family and shook our entire community — we continue to grieve with the Farooqi family.

We know that too many criminals have access to illegal guns and a "no consequence" criminal justice system. This must change urgently, starting with the approval of new federal laws that were introduced last week.

I thank @MarkJCarney & @SeanFraserMP for taking this step. Reform is needed ASAP and is long overdue.

Today's announcement from Prime Minister @MarkJCarney is a welcome first step. I look forward to reviewing the legislation, particularly to see how the feds plan to tackle home invasions, gun crime, auto theft, and repeat offenders.

We can’t do this alone. The federal government must fix the broken criminal justice system to ensure that once these criminals are caught, they stay behind bars. Enough is enough.

We all have a responsibility stand strongly in support of our Jewish community to ensure that they continue to be safe, and feel safe, at all times.

But all remaining hostages who were taken from their families and friends into the terror tunnels of Gaza need to be returned home now.

You have allies who see what you're going through and feel heartbroken and angry that it has come to this. Every decent person wants peace and wants innocent civilians protected.

Two years later and we have seen a horrible rise in antisemitism and Jew hatred that has too many of our residents sadly questioning their future in Canada. My message to our Jewish residents in Vaughan and across the country is simple: You are not alone.

Two years ago on this day, the world was witness to a level of appalling barbarism that shook us to our core, when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and killed 1200 people (including 8 Canadians) while taking over 250 hostages.

At my request, flags at City of Vaughan facilities have been lowered to half-mast in memory of those who were lost on October 7th.

Enough is enough. We need real action now.

Please see this important message from York Regional Police:

All Canadians must be able to worship without intimidation & all political leaders must work together to make this happen.

I'd like to thank the Government of Canada for introducing this legislation. As Mayor of the first municipality in Canada to approve a bubble zone bylaw protecting places of worship, I recognize this as important progress.

In recent years, we have seen a deplorable rise in hateful behaviour and individuals targeting places of worship in our city. This is unacceptable, and together we must act decisively to put an end to it.

Look forward to reviewing details of the legislation & I remain committed to working with all levels of government to ensure our residents are not only safe, but also feel safe—especially when using vulnerable social infrastructure such as childcare centres & places of worship.

This is welcome news. As Mayor of the municipality that passed the first by-law of its kind in Canada to protect people accessing vulnerable social infrastructure, including places of worship, I am encouraged to see the federal government taking action.

We need criminals off our streets and behind bars where they belong. We need strong legislation immediately to keep repeat offenders off our streets.

I've had the chance to hear directly from family and close friends of Aleem, and my heart breaks for what they have all been forced to endure since his murder. The deplorable criminals need to be captured and face swift and harsh punishment. See my full statement below.