Toronto (August 28, 2019) - Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) notes the recent removal of Winnipeg-based reservist Master Cpl. Patrik Mathews from his position with the military after his alleged ties to a neo-Nazi group were discovered.

The Department of National Defence confirmed Mathews was fired and an investigation is underway into his alleged ties to the hate group The Base.

“It is extremely important for the military to address the problem of neo-Nazis in the military. The military must ensure adequate screening of new recruits and provide sufficient education and training to military members so that they counter hateful speech and behaviour,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo.

According to news reports, Mathews has since been reported missing following his release from the military.

FSWC has offered the Canadian Armed Forces the opportunity to utilize its tolerance training programs for its new recruits. FSWC educates some 50,000 Canadians a year about the Holocaust, antisemitism and Canadian values of tolerance, justice and human rights.