Police key in discouraging hate crimes: NCC

Peterborough receives more newcomers from Vietnam, India and Syria than from anywhere else in the world, says the New Canadian Centre’s executive director.

Hajni Hos spoke to the Peterborough Police Services Board on Wednesday night as part of the board’s mandate to invite presentations from social agencies.

Hos told police that newcomers from Vietnam and India typically come to Peterborough as international students, while Syrians have been coming for several years as refugees.

But those aren’t the only countries represented among Peterborough’s newcomers: Hos said that in the last decade, people have moved here from 125 countries around the world.

Peterborough made a particular effort to welcome refugees lately, particularly from Syria. Hos said that since October 2015, there have been 504 refugee clients at the New Canadians Centre.

The centre on Romaine St. is a nonprofit that supports immigrants and refugees. There are 27 staff members there from 14 countries, Hos said.

“We are probably one of the most diverse workplaces in Peterborough — and I’m very proud of that,” she said.

Hos also said she has had discussions with former police chief Murray Rodd — who retired this summer — about diversifying the police force.

“Which I think is very important,” she said.

Peterborough Police have been “a key partner” in discouraging hate crimes in the city, Hos also said.