OTTAWA – Today marks the fourth anniversary of the tragic and hateful act committed at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City. On behalf of all our members, I want to extend deepest sympathies to the victims’ loved ones, to the survivors, and to every person touched by this violence.
The wounds created by unfounded fears like Islamophobia run deep and destabilise everything in their wake. When hate marks its presence in a community, it shakes every person to the core, and its ripples spread throughout society, leaving none untouched. In the years since this senseless attack, we have had regular reminders that, sadly, hateful ideologies are not a thing of the past. Silence emboldens hate. Fear and intolerance will flourish when they are given any space to do so. We will speak out against Islamophobia at all times so that there can be fewer tragedies like this.
I stand at the intersection of several communities that have also known the fear of being targeted simply for existing in the skin we were born in. How much more then, on this national day of remembrance, do I mourn those lost in unspeakable tragedy and commit again to standing resolutely with the Muslim people of Canada and MuslimS across the world.
Even in the face of such destructive violence, the Muslim community remains a centering force of who we are as Canadians – a living symbol of faith, resilience, compassion, and love. I am honoured to stand alongside this community as it grieves and remembers the lives of those who were lost.
Let us always remember their names: Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzeddine Soufiane, Aboubaker Thabti.
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For more information:
Rosie Emery
Press Secretary
rosie-emery@greenparty.ca