Letters to the editor: Demand motion from politicians on preventing hate crimes

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He awoke on June 8. His world has been worn out by a terrorist. A mom, father, sister, grandmother gone—lower down due to their faith and the color of their pores and skin. He’s 9. His identify is Fayez. And, he awaits Canada to do him justice.

Ideas and prayers will not be sufficient anymore, it’s time for motion. What occurred to the Afzaal household on June 6 in London, Ont. isn’t the primary or the final time Muslims had been focused. Hate and bigotry are actual, and as these extremists, these white supremacist get radicalized on-line, or in actual life—we’d like precise laws put in place to punish them to the fullest extent of the regulation. Make an instance of this terrorist—begin now.

Whereas it was heartening to see Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, NDP Chief Jagmeet Singh and different political leaders come collectively for the group vigil on June 8 in London, Ont., their phrases—highly effective phrases—have to be carried out into motion. Comply with-up must occur, or the occasion will simply change into one other photo-op.

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The Nationwide Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) has referred to as on “all ranges of presidency – federal, provincial, territorial, municipal – throughout the nation to come back collectively for a Nationwide Motion Summit on Islamophobia to take fast motion on dismantling each violent types of Islamophobia and systemic Islamophobia.” That decision has been heard.

Demand your native leaders eradicate Islamophobia. Use the facility of your vote to decide on those that imagine in main with motion, not simply lip service. And, being in an election 12 months helps. Hearken to debates, analysis candidate platforms, ask them powerful questions and make your vote rely.

Canada has work to do—whether or not it’s fact and reconciliation for our Indigenous peoples, or supporting struggling Palestinians —our humanity—each home and worldwide—is in query. We now have work to do. Historical past will decide us by this watershed second. And, that may’t be emphasised sufficient.

Fayez awoke. Now he awaits Canada to get up to his and his individuals’s plight.

Kiran Malik-Khan is president and co-founder of World Hijab Day Fort McMurray