On this day in 2017, six members of Québec City’s Muslim community were killed and 19 more seriously injured when a racist gunman indiscriminately opened fire after their evening prayers. They had gathered peacefully to practice their faith and their lives were cut short by violence driven by hate.
Now, seven years later, Canada’s Muslim communities still face the very real threat of violence as they go about their lives. In 2021, four members of a Muslim family were murdered by a far-right Islamophobe in London, ON. Just for walking down the street.
While there may be more awareness about the issue, not nearly enough has been done to root out Islamophobia from our society. The reality is that cases of Islamophobic violence and hate have seen an alarming rise, both in Canada and around the world. This has caused anxiety and fear amongst many of our members, who, even in their workplace, still experience hurtful and hateful attitudes and actions and live every day with the threat of violence.
Our union, our neighbourhoods and our country are stronger and more vibrant when we embrace our diversity and promote peace and understanding between different faith communities.
We stand in solidarity with our Muslim members and condemn acts of hate, violence, and intimidation perpetrated against them.
Today, as we remember the lives lost seven years ago – husbands, fathers and friends, men of faith and peace – we honour them by committing ourselves to action. It is our duty to use our platform to oppose Islamophobic and racist discrimination and violence. We must not just acknowledge it – we must act against it.
And we are committed to doing just that.
If you are experiencing Islamophobia, racism or any other form of racial discrimination or harassment in the workplace, please consult our website for information on how to ensure the protection of your right to work in an environment free from harassment and violence. You should also inform your local and discuss building a response strategy with your coworkers. My office can and will help with that.
Resources
Canadian Labour Congress – Islamophobia at Work
