Canada has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most tolerant and multicultural countries in the world. Its province of Ontario is a favourite place of settlement for many immigrants from Asia. Many of them are from Hong Kong or the mainland. It is, therefore, disturbing that the Ontario Human Rights Commission has reported at least 11 'serious incidents' in which Canadian anglers of Asian descent were attacked in several rural communities in the province last year.

In one case, a 13-year-old boy was pushed into the water while fishing with his father. In another, a 72-year-old man was roughed up and his fishing gear damaged. In a third case, two anglers were pushed off a bridge, causing serious injury to one. Chief commissioner Barbara Hall said a preliminary report had found the incidents were racially motivated, and she called for actions to remedy the situation. Some locals, however, countered that many Asian anglers had ignored fishing regulations despite repeated warnings. They say some anglers may have been fishing illegally for commercial purposes, rather than for recreation.

Both sides may well be right. The incidents are reminiscent of a furore over 'monster homes' in Vancouver and Toronto some years ago. New immigrants from Hong Kong, flush with cash, erected architecturally dubious giant houses that were ill suited to the character of their neighbourhoods. Many locals were infuriated, but the Chinese cried foul about interference with their property rights.