VIA RAIL APOLOGY

OTTAWA, March 20, 2023 — VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) was dismayed to learn of an incident that occurred at our Ottawa Station on March 20th, 2023.

First and foremost, we want to apologize unreservedly to the individuals involved and to the entire Muslim community.

Freedom of religion, including the ability to worship, is a human right and is enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. VIA Rail strongly condemns and will not tolerate any form of discriminatory behaviour.

We take this situation very seriously and are currently investigating the incident and will take the appropriate actions pending the outcome of that investigation.