“Today, we remember the six people who lost their lives and the 19 others who were seriously injured during the attack at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec in Sainte-Foy. We also salute the courage and selflessness of the first responders and community members who put their lives in danger and did everything they could to save worshippers that day.

“We remember Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane, and Aboubaker Thabti, who were fathers, husbands, friends, colleagues, Quebecers, and Muslims. In the days following this hateful act of terror, Canadians and communities around the world came together to say their names, honour their memories, support one another, and stand against Islamophobia in all its forms.

“Islamophobia has no place in Canada, and we must continue our work to help Muslims feel safe. Last week, we appointed Amira Elghawaby as Canada’s first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, to serve as a champion, advisor, expert, and representative to the Government of Canada. She will bring her experience as a journalist, an expert on issues of equity and inclusion, and a human rights advocate to the role to promote awareness of the diverse and intersectional identities of Muslims in Canada. She will also advise the government on the development of inclusive policies that reflect their realities.

“The Government of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy has built a foundation to address systemic racism and discrimination in federal institutions, public policies, programs, and services. By working with members of racialized and religious minority communities, the Strategy amplifies the voices of those with lived experience and provides the government with tangible solutions toward addressing systemic racism and combatting hate across the country.

“Since the attack on January 29, 2017 – one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canadian history – we have introduced the toughest gun control measures in a generation to ensure this can never happen again. We banned over 1,500 types of assault-style firearms, expanded background checks for firearms licences, and introduced a freeze on the handgun market – making it illegal to buy, sell, or transfer a handgun in Canada. The government has also increased investments in the Security Infrastructure Program to support communities at risk of hate-motivated crimes by providing funding to enhance the security of their community gathering spaces, including places of worship. Approximately 30 per cent of projects improved the security infrastructure of Muslim organizations.

“Today, on the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia, I encourage everyone to take a moment to remember the victims, their families, and survivors of this attack, and to stand with members of the Muslim community. Let’s also reflect on the progress we have made – and the work that remains – to build a better, more inclusive, and safer, Canada. We will always stand against Islamophobia and all forms of hate, discrimination, and prejudice.”

B.C. Premier David Eby and Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, have issued the following statement:

“Six years have passed since the terrorist attack on the Centre culturel islamique de Québec. We remain shocked and horrified by this despicable act.

“The attack claimed six lives and wounded 19 others, bringing violence into a place of sanctity.

“On this solemn day, we honour the memory of Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane and Aboubaker Thabti. We join with their families, friends and communities in mourning their loss.

“Our response to this heinous act must be to always confront Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate in any form. We are a stronger, more resilient society when united by compassion instead of divided by hatred.

“All of us must stand united in opposition to hate speech and racist violence as we build a more equitable society in which all people are respected.

“We encourage everyone to take a moment today to remember the victims and survivors. Together, we will work to fight against Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hate, and other forms of hatred. By doing so, we will build a stronger, more inclusive province for everyone.”

PIERRE Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, released the following statement:

“Six years ago, as they gathered in faithful prayer at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City, six innocent Canadians were murdered simply because they were Muslim. In mere moments, a deranged killer stole the lives of these men in a vile act of hatred.

“Today, we remember the victims of this tragedy and stand in solidarity with Canada’s entire Muslim community as we share in their grief. Together, we reject the disgusting bigotry and racism that motivated this attack and re-establish our commitment to equality and religious freedom for all Canadians.

“Sadly, anti-Muslim hatred continues to pose a real threat to Muslims in Canada. Mosques are vandalized with racial slurs. Women are harassed for choosing to wear a hijab. The murder of the Afzaal family in London, Ontario in 2021 reminded us that even years after the Quebec City attack, we still have so much work to do to protect Muslims in Canada.

“This heartbreaking reality calls us to action. Conservatives are committed to ensuring that Canada remains a place where people of all faiths can live and worship freely, and where people who commit such unspeakable acts are held accountable and face justice for their crimes.

“Today, I encourage all Canadians to join me in wearing a green square as a symbol of our solidarity with the Muslim community across our country and our commitment to continuing the fight against anti-Muslim hatred and bigotry.”

JAGMEET Singh, federal NDP Leader, issued the following statement:

“On this day, six years ago, a gunman entered the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City and murdered six men and injured many more. To this day, the families of the victims and survivors still reel from that horrific night that changed their lives forever.

This cowardly and Islamophobic crime terrorized Canadians across the country. On this day of remembrance, we are reminded that we all have a role and responsibility in the fight against hate, Islamophobia and all forms of racism and bigotry.

New Democrats have been echoing community calls for concrete measures to protect Canadians, including the nomination of a Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia. We are pleased that this office will carry out this mission.

Canadians expect their political leaders to fight against hatred and work with people and communities who are at the fore front of this fight. You can count on the NDP to fight by your side.

New Democrats stand and mourn with the families of the victims of that horrific night. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to stand up to Islamophobia, racism and hate in all its forms. No one should feel unsafe in their communities, schools or places of worship. ”