Vigil marks one year anniversary of Quebec City mosque shooting

National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and Coun. Neethan Shan hosted a vigil at Nathan Phillips Square on Monday to commemorate the victims of the mosque shooting.

Hundreds gathered at Nathan Phillips Square on Monday evening to remember the six victims who lost their lives in a deadly mass shooting at the Islamic Culture Centre of Quebec City one year ago.

It was freezing cold, but even that did not stop Torontonians from coming out and be a part of a vigil to mark the one year anniversary of the mosque shootings.

Monday marked the one year anniversary of the tragedy in which six men died and 19 were injured in what has been referred to as one of the worst mass shootings in Canada by the CBC.

Toronto Mayor John Tory, Coun. Neethan Shan (Ward 42- Scarborough – Rouge River) and other city council leaders were present along with volunteers from NCCM to remember the men who lost their lives.

Hundreds assembled at Nathan Phillips Square Monday evening to be a part of a vigil to commemorate the victims of the Quebec City Mosque Killings. (RSJ/Abhi Raheja)

‘Speak up against Islamophobia’

Massa reminded the gathering of the dire need to speak up against Islamophobia in light of the increasing violence against Muslim communities.

“There needs to be a lot of work done about how hate crimes are being dealt with in Canada,” she said. “There has to be a real national confrontation of what is happening.”

Mayor Tory addressed the crowd and emphasized that tragic events like the shooting do not represent what Canada stands for. “For some reason, mention of Islamophobia seems to ignite a debate on its own,” he said.

“In this most diverse city in the world, all of us have a responsibility to overcome the hate and ignorance that drives such tragic events.”

Human Rights and equity studies student reminded the crowd that violence and hatred against muslims is increasing and concrete action is needed.

“Why do we have to see six people die to realize that Islamophobia is a serious problem,” said Asgari, 20.

She said that politicians need to take real action instead of focusing on scoring political points through such events. “Islamophobia is real and it has been here from the beginning. We need to act.” Asgari is a third-year student at York University.

Members of the Labour Union of Toronto and York Region were in attendance at the vigil Monday evening, carrying signboards showing support to the Muslim community. (RSJ/Abhi Raheja)

A Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia

According to a press statement released on Jan. 10, Coun. Shan will introduce a motion during city council’s January meeting to declare Jan. 29 as a Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia in the City of Toronto.

“As a city that considers diversity its greatest strength and defining feature, it is at times like these that we need to come together to reject hate and bigotry in all its forms,” said Coun. Shan in a press statement.

Mayor Tory welcomed Coun. Shan’s motion and said that it will be a great reminder for everyone each year that there are still some people among us who spread hate and violence and that the fight against them will go on.

“I think there do has to be a day when we reach out to each other with open arms, accept each other’s differences and try to understand one another,” said Tory.

Coun. Shan has received mixed support for his motion.

“I have received many emails containing Islamophobic rhetoric while at the same time telling me that there is no such thing as Islamophobia,” he said.

Despite the backlash the councillor is positive that the motion will receive city council’s approval.

Cameron Hodge, 67, said that the motion is unlikely to go through because of the political climate in North America.

“It is a good idea but with a large number of extremist and far-right organizations becoming active in the recent past, it will be a tough one,” said Hodge.

He retired as a health and safety officer in a manufacturing firm.

Next City council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday wherein Coun. Shan plans to put forward the motion for debate.

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