VanCity gives Arab business one month to close account—Owner charges anti-Arab discrimination Canadian Arab News September 1, 2005 B.C. Market, a convenience and Arabic food store in New Westminster, B.C., has been a member of VanCity Credit Union for five years, but on Aug.15 its owners were summarily told their accounts would be closed within a month. VanCity stated in separate letters to the two owners that it had been unable to fully understand the nature of the business revenue, but Hanna Kawas is certain the motive was more personal than professional. “Over the last year, they had been asking us for confidential financial information, which we diligently provided, even sending them a copy of our official business tax return. They’ve treated us as if we were criminals. We are shareholders of VanCity and to do this without warning is outrageous.  People are trying to hit me in my living. There are people who don’t like what I do.” In addition to being part owner of B.C. Market, Kawas is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, has hosted The Voice of Palestine on Co-op Radio for 19 years, and is a member of the Canada-Palestine Network. Although B.C. Market is the mailing address for CanPalNet as well as a focal point for pro-Palestinian and anti-war activity, the political and professional affairs are kept completely separate, said Kawas. VanCity refused to answer any questions for this story or offer comments of any kind, citing the need to protect the privacy of its members. B.C. Market’s problems with VanCity began last June. In an open letter charging VanCity with anti-Arab discrimination, Kawas wrote: “We sent a letter on June 23, 2004, detailing the nature of running a convenience store and how it entails handling a lot of cash.  We told them that we were long-time credit union supporters and were disappointed with their behaviour towards a small community business. We also questioned if all of this harassment was not motivated by the fact that the business in question is owned by two people of Palestinian Arab descent.” Kawas said VanCity denied any anti-Arab bias and seemed to be satisfied with the documents received. Since the store only accepts payment by cash and Interac, he said VanCity could also compare increases in cash revenue with corresponding increases debit purchases, which VanCity can monitor. But this recent action has convinced him that his business has been singled out for political reasons. As a result, he is not only closing his business account by the Sept. 24 deadline, but also his personal accounts, and is asking trade unions, small businesses, churches and community groups to follow suit.  “We are also telling our broader community, both in Canada and internationally, about this situation, and asking them to terminate any dealings they may have with VanCity,” he said. His open letter has generated support from Alberta and as far away as Honduras and Lebanon.