On January 29, we mark the National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. PSAC remembers the six men who were killed in a horrific Islamophobic attack at the Québec City Islamic Cultural Centre: Azzedine Soufiane, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Aboubaker Thabti, Ibrahima Barry, and Abdelkrim Hassane. Five others were seriously injured, and countless lives have forever changed.  

We remember them, and we also remember the Afzaal family in London, Ontario: Salman Afzaal, Madiha Salman, their daughter Yumna, and grandmother Talat Afzaal, three generations of the same family killed on June 6, 2021, in a white supremacist, Islamophobic attack. 

We honour their families and a community that found strength and unity during a time of deep sadness. We recognize that our words matter, and we must find ways to address rising Islamophobic, anti-immigrant, and anti-refugee rhetoric used in the media, by politicians, and xenophobic groups.  

Islamophobia is the fear, prejudice, or hatred toward Muslim people. Islamophobia hurts workers, families, and communities. As we remember and honour the memory of the victims of the Quebec City Mosque Attack, and all those killed through Islamophobic violence, we actively reflect on how our words and actions matter.  

We all need to confront hate and help build a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. Through advocacy, education, and solidarity with Muslim communities, PSAC supports members who experience discrimination. We continue to push for policies and laws that protect all Muslim people of varying backgrounds and identities in our workplaces and across the country. 

We also recognize Muslim workers make Canada's labour movement, our communities, and our public services stronger. They deliver important programs and community services across the country that we rely on. 

Today, and every day, let's choose understanding over hate, compassion over indifference, and courage over silence.  

Here’s how you can take part: 

• Learn more about the importance of this day  
• Reflect on how each of us can help build inclusive and compassionate communities. 
• Use your voice to challenge racism and discrimination whenever and wherever they appear.