On January 29, 2017, six lives were tragically lost during an attack at a mosque in Quebec City. Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane, and Aboubaker Thabti were fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, and pillars of their community. This year marks the eighth anniversary of that heartbreaking event—and the fourth National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia.
A Senate report released in 2023 highlighted the urgent need to address the rising tide of Islamophobia and hate across Canada. It is a call to action to challenge the discrimination and violence faced by Muslim communities. January 29 serves as a reminder of the work still needed to combat Islamophobia, hate, and racism in all forms.
In recent years, a new wave of prejudice has emerged online, targeting immigrant communities, including Muslims, racial minorities, and other vulnerable groups. Social media platforms and online spaces have become breeding grounds for spreading harmful stereotypes, misinformation, and inciting violence. The anonymity provided by the internet allows individuals to target, harass, and amplify hateful rhetoric, which in turn fuels division and fear. It is critical that we work collectively to challenge these online hate campaigns and hold platforms accountable for fostering such environments.
Ways You Can Take Action
Islamophobia-Motivated Incident Reporting Tool (IMIRT)
A coalition of Muslim organizations in Canada, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, has launched the Islamophobia-Motivated Incident Reporting Tool (IMIRT). This tool helps report Islamophobic incidents, bridging the gap between underreported hate crimes and official statistics.
Learn more at IMIRT.ca.
Wear a Green Square
The Green Square Campaign, an initiative by NCCM, encourages Canadians to wear a patch of green fabric leading up to January 29 each year. The green square symbolizes the carpets of the Quebec City mosque, where victims last stood in prayer. This act of solidarity honours the lives of those lost and raises awareness of the ongoing struggle against Islamophobia.
Anti-Islamophobia Resources
On this day of remembrance, check out UFCW Canada’s anti-Islamophobia resources created by in partnership with NCCM. These tools help build understanding and create supportive work environments for Muslim employees.
Let us continue to support the organizations and efforts working toward a more inclusive Canada. On this day—and every day—let us reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with Muslim communities across the country.
