Premier Horgan recognizes first anniversary of terrorist attack on Quebec City mosque

Premier John Horgan

PREMIER John Horgan on Sunday issued the following statement recognizing the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec on January 29, 2017:

“One year ago, Canadians joined together in shock and horror in the aftermath of an attack that claimed the lives of six men at a Quebec City mosque, and injured many others.

“We honour the memories of those who were cruelly taken from their friends, their families and their communities in this act of terror: Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane, and Aboubaker Thabti.

At the roundtable meeting held on behalf of Premier John Horgan by Minister Harry Bains and Parliamentary Secretary Ravi Kahlon with representatives of the Muslim faith and community leaders to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Quebec mosque shootings.

“These men were murdered because they were Muslim. This attack was the first time in Canadian history people who were gathered in a place of worship were targeted with violence. We must make sure it is the last.

“We stand with the Muslim community and every British Columbian attending vigils, sending prayers and taking action to fight hate, bigotry and Islamophobia. Together, we will build a stronger province and stronger communities united in love and compassion, not divided by hatred and fear.”

On Monday, January 29, from 5 to 11:59 p.m., the B.C. Parliament Buildings’ archway and fountain will be illuminated green — a colour traditionally associated with the Muslim faith — to honour the lives lost in Quebec City, and to raise awareness about Islamophobia.