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“This is something that we need to take very, very, very seriously and the pattern or trend lines that we’re seeing is … one of those warning signs about intolerance,” he said.

“And reminding people that we are a country that defends freedom of religion, defends freedom of expression, defends people’s rights to go to school and not be fearful or harassed is fundamental to who we are.”

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne thanked police for their work and said she was “thankful and relieved” the alleged assault didn’t take place.

Toronto Mayor John Tory defended his decision to speak out, saying he would continue to do so “any time there are reports or allegations of hate or intolerance in our city.”

“It is good to know that this event didn’t happen,” he said. “We all must remain vigilant in the fight against hate, racism, bigotry, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia to make sure our city remains an inclusive place.”

The Toronto District School Board — which had pledged last week to offer support to the girl, her family and other students — said only that they were “very thankful that this assault did not in fact happen.”

Titus Gho, whose child goes to the school the girl at the centre of the incident attends, said he was relieved that there hadn’t been an attack but saddened that it may become harder for people who suffer real hate crimes to find justice in the future.

“You kind of have to be responsible for what you’re saying especially when it is such a serious allegation because when …. you’re talking about Islamophobia and racism and things like that, there are a lot of emotions that are attached to it,” he said. “Next time when you have a similar incident somebody is going to think ‘Well maybe this is fake again.”‘