Hedy Fry, the Liberal MP responsible for multiculturalism, refused to back down from her statement that the people of Prince George, B.C., are burning crosses on their lawns, despite a denial from the town's mayor.

Fry, who represents the riding of Vancouver Centre, was speaking in the House of Commons on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Wednesday. She told the House Canadians have their share of racist incidents.

We can just go to British Columbia in Prince George, where crosses are being burned on lawns as we speak, she said.

Burning crosses are the trademark symbol of the Ku Klux Klan.

Dick Harris, the Canadian Alliance MP for Prince George, immediately jumped to his feet to demand an apology.

It's revolting that this minister would cast such vicious and mean spirited aspersions, Harris said.

But Fry refused to back down, and insisted there was a cross burning incident in Prince George. She said she had a letter from the mayor, asking for assistance in funding a task force to fight racism.

However, acting mayor Don Zurowski told CTV News he knows nothing about the letter. I'm disappointed, he said. I've lived here 31 years I'm not aware of a cross burned in our community.

The RCMP detachment in Prince George said it has no reports of cross burnings, either. I think this is a good community and I've had no incidents no hate crime, said Staff Sgt. Derald Lewis

Zurowski is calling on Fry to make a retraction.