Nova Scotia’s justice minister is responding to what he calls a racist and deeply disturbing incident at the Halifax Costco.
Halifax Regional Police said the confrontation happened around 1 p.m. on July 4 at the Costco on Chain Lake Drive.
Police said a man yelled racially offensive language at a family, and a video circulating online shows him threatening Muslim women wearing hijabs.
Officers reported that the man then approached another customer and assaulted them while continuing to shout hateful language.
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Attorney General and Justice Minister Scott Armstrong, the minister responsible for the Office of Equity and Anti‑Racism, said the incident shows how harmful hate can be in everyday settings.
“Hate has no place in Nova Scotia,” Armstrong said in a statement.
“People should not feel unsafe doing everyday things like getting groceries.
Armstrong said the province’s anti‑racism legislation and its Equity and Anti‑Racism Strategy guide government efforts to support communities affected by hate‑motivated incidents.
“Harms often intersect with race, colour, gender, religion, creed and national or ethnic origin,” he said.
“It is important that people report these incidents when they happen.”
Armstrong said people can report hate‑motivated incidents to Halifax Regional Police, including the force’s Hate Crime Unit, or to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.
He said he appreciates those who stepped in to support the family during the confrontation.
Public officials have also responded to the incident. Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore said he was shocked to learn about what happened.
“Diversity in our community is worth protecting,” Fillmore said.
Clayton Park West MLA Adegoke Fadare said diversity is a shared value in Nova Scotia.
“We all have a responsibility to stand against hate,” Fadare said.
NDP Leader Claudia Chender said the confrontation does not reflect who Nova Scotians are.
“People deserve to feel safe in their communities,” Chender said.
Federal Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the incident will leave many in the Muslim community shaken.
“The wider community stands with them in condemning hatred,” Diab said.
The authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Halifax Regional Police.
