One of Canada’s most prominent Muslim groups is asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to designate the anniversary of the 2017 Quebec City mosque shooting as an official day of remembrance.
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The National Council of Canadian Muslims wants Trudeau to endorse Jan. 29 as a national day of remembrance and action on Islamophobia.
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In a letter to the prime minister released Friday, executive director Ihsaan Gardee says such a designation would help enhance public education about hate, bigotry and Islamophobia.
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Last January, six Muslim men were shot and killed and 19 others were wounded in an attack on the mosque during prayers.
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Alexandre Bissonnette of Quebec City is to stand trial in March on six charges each of first-degree murder and attempted murder.
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Gardee said Canadian Muslim communities are still feeling the aftershocks of the attack.
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“We must not allow voices of hate, even ones that initially appear to be on the margins, to permeate our public discourse and damage our social fabric,” he wrote.
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He said the call for a day of remembrance is supported by dozens of other Canadian Muslim groups and community partners.
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Gardee pointed out elected leaders like Trudeau need to work to ensure that such a tragedy is not repeated.
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