An email threatening to kill Muslims was sent to nine Islamic schools across Canada, prompting investigations by more than a half-dozen police forces, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), CBC News reported.

The email, sent to schools operated by the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC), threatened Muslims with being “deported or slaughtered” and used dehumanizing language. It also referred to an upcoming referendum in Alberta, warning of what would happen if the province “becomes its own nation.”

Police in Ottawa, Waterloo Region, Peel Region, London, Ont., and Montreal confirmed last week that they were investigating the threats after schools in their jurisdictions received the email. Vancouver police later said they had also launched an investigation and increased patrols across the city.

The RCMP confirmed on Monday that its northwest region is investigating the threat. The division covers Alberta and the other Prairie provinces, as well as the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

“Law enforcement agencies are working collaboratively with school leadership to investigate the reported threats and assess all available information,” the RCMP said in a statement, according to CBC.

The national police force said investigators had no information indicating an imminent threat but urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information or concerns to police.

The MAC, which operates the nine schools that received the email, alerted police services in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, as well as the RCMP, following the threats.

The email drew condemnation from federal and municipal officials. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the government was “deeply disturbed” by the threats and the fear they had caused among students, families, educators and Muslim communities.

Liberal MP Iqra Khalid also condemned the threats, saying two of her nieces attend one of the schools that received the messages. She called for those responsible to be held accountable.

Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish described the threats as “incredibly disturbing,” while Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said he was “deeply troubled” by the messages.