Church fires

The alarming number of arsons that have defiled or outright destroyed Catholic and Christian houses of worship over the past several years did not garner attention from any of the political parties during the 2025 federal election campaign.

Prince Albert RCMP are characterizing the fire that destroyed Sts. Peter and Paul Church Feb. 21, as “suspicious.” But others within the community have no doubt on what is to blame for the church's destruction.

The Ottawa Police Service’s (OPS) Arson Unit is investigating a fire that broke out around 3 a.m. on Sept. 18 at the downtown St. Joseph’s Parish.

A man was taken into police custody after a major fire broke out at the historic Church of the Immaculate Conception in the northern French town of Saint-Omer in the morning hours of Sept. 2, causing its bell tower to collapse.

The only church to feature artwork by members of the famed Group of Seven Canadian artists burned to the ground, taking with it the “stunning” murals on its walls and dome.

A call to condemn the most recent arson attack on a Christian church — Feb. 9 at Blessed Sacrament Church in downtown Regina — failed to gain unanimous approval in the House of Commons.