'Disturbing racial overtones' in attacks on Asian fishermen: commission

The Ontario Human Rights Commission says it believes racism was behind a number of attacks on Asian anglers across Ontario.

The commission launched an inquiry last month into the alleged attacks and is expected to release its preliminary findings on Friday.

"These incidents remind us that racism and racial discrimination exist in Ontario and show how harmful such events can be for all of us," said chief commissioner Barbara Hall in a statement. "What is clear is that the simple activity of going fishing for some Asian Canadian anglers has taken on very disturbing racial overtones."

The findings are based on input from roughly 30 people across the province who either experienced or witnessed incidents while fishing. Most of the incidents occurred in the Lake Simcoe, Peterborough and the Rideau Locks area.

The commission says anglers experienced racism in many forms ranging from racial slurs to physical violence and the damaging of equipment.

"Stereotyping any one community by assuming that certain people are more likely to commit illegal activity is not only wrong, it's against the law," said Hall.

"In a society as diverse as ours, we need to learn about each other, from each other and how we can work together to fight racism, discrimination and harassment whenever and wherever it occurs."

The accounts came from communities across the province including areas near Aurora, Peterborough, and Ottawa.

The commission's final report is due in the spring of 2008.