Suspected arson aimed at Liberal MP is a 'cowardly act' of intimidation, Carney says

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday that one of his MPs was the victim of a suspected arson, which he called a “cowardly act of violence and intimidation,” in a social media post .

Liberal MP Salma Zahid, the MP for Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East, said in a statement that an unidentified individual set fire to her car and another vehicle overnight.

“It is unacceptable. It is not who we are as Canadians,” wrote Carney. The prime minister said he was relieved that Zahid and her family weren’t harmed.

The MP and her family were at home during the incident and called 911 after her son noticed the fire.

Zahid said that both vehicles were destroyed but there was no damage to her residence and no one was harmed.

“My family and I are all safe,” wrote Zahid.

Zahid said that Toronto Fire Services “responded promptly to the call” and thanked first responders for their professionalism.

She added that the incident was being investigated as a potential arson.

“I don’t want to speculate on a possible motive. We will await the results of the investigation. But such attacks are unacceptable and will not deter me from my work serving Scarborough Centre-Don Valley East,” wrote Zahid.

More to come.

National Postrmohamed@postmedia.com

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