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On January 29, 2017, a man entered the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec (CCIQ) in Quebec City and began shooting at the 53 worshippers. 19 were injured, including one who is now paralyzed, and six were killed. Their names are Azzeddine Soufiane, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Aboubaker Thabti, Ibrahima Barry and Abdelkrim Hassane.
“Canadians often take pride in being less racist than our neighbours to the south,but racism does exist here,” said National President Jerry Dias. “Islamophobia is on the rise in many corners of this country, from social media platforms to vigilante groups roaming the streets. January 29 was the first time Muslims were killed inside a mosque in North America and it happened in Canada.”
In recognition of the tragic shooting, the National Council of Canadian Muslims organized 34 vigils across the country, and Unifor members and leaders were there in solidarity with all who oppose hate. On social media, people also tweeted and posted to Facebook using #RememberJan29. The online contributions were compiled and can be found here.
Honouring these victims of Islamophobia means not only combatting the racism that produced this tragedy but also addressing the quieter forms of prejudice that have allowed it to be largely forgotten.
Unifor members and allies are encouraged to donate to Aymen Derbali, who was paralyzed and is need of accessible housing, and to consider attending a multi-stakeholder national roundtable that the union is organizing in advance of the Canadian Council in Halifax on August 15, 2018 to discuss Islamophobia from a workers and workplace perspective.
“A true and strong labour movement will fight for all, across intersecting challenges and Unifor will recommit to this effort,” said Dias.
To read Unifor’s January 29 statement of remembrance and solidarity, click here.
