June 6th, 2024
June 6th, 2024
QUEEN’S PARK – The Ontario NDP joined Muslim community members from London and across Ontario to mark the third anniversary of the horrific Islamophobic terrorist attack in London that killed the Afzaal family and announce next steps to combat rising Islamophobia across Ontario.
“Three years ago, the Muslim community across Ontario was horrified by a violent act of hatred and Islamophobia that killed the Afzaal family in London,” said MPP Doly Begum (Scarborough Southwest). “Over the past year especially, we have seen a rapid rise in Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism here in our province and across the country. Hatred of this kind is insidious, dangerous, and harmful to not only the Muslim community but who we are as a province. Let’s work together to make sure hate never claims another life again.”
The Ontario NDP will be hearing directly from Muslims over the summer to respond to rising Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism and propose steps to address this in the fall. The Ontario NDP welcomes members of all parties at Queen’s Park to attend these consultations and hear directly from the community on action that is needed.
"The London community experienced horror beyond words three years ago when an act of hate took the Afzaal family away from us,” said Peggy Sattler, MPP for London West. “We will be spending the summer hearing directly from Muslim communities across Ontario on what kind of critical anti-hate legislation they want to see passed in the Ontario Legislature to address Islamophobia and all forms of racism and hate.”
The Ontario NDP will be working with various community organizations and leaders on the consultations, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims. Consultations will be held across Ontario this summer, in locations including London, Ottawa, Toronto, and Windsor.
Please visit ondpcaucus.com/olfa_consultations for updates and details on how to participate.
Quotes
Samer Abou-Sweid, Chair of HIKMA Public Affairs Council
“Muslims in London are still reeling from the tragic terrorist attack in 2021 and are looking to our political leaders for action in this moment of rising Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism. I urge Muslims across this province to make their voices heard during these consultations and directly with their MPP to ensure the asks of our community are front and center when the Ontario Legislature returns in the fall.”
MPP Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre)
“The trial was hard on Londoners, especially the Muslim community. We want to ensure Muslims in London never have to go through what they went through again,”
MPP Teresa Armstrong (London-Fanshawe)
“We’re looking forward to working alongside the community and all parties in the Ontario Legislature to move forward on a renewed commitment to anti-hate legislation.”