President Steenkamp: National Day of Remembrance of Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia

On behalf of Royal Roads University, today I remember the victims of the attack at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec in Sainte-Foy: Mamadou Tanou Barry, Azzeddine Soufiane, Abdelkrim Hassane, Ibrahima Barry, Aboubaker Thabti and Khaled Belkacemi.

Marking the tragic events of January 29, 2017, this National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of hate and extremism. A white nationalist terrorist, fueled by a toxic ideology, took the lives of these six Muslim worshippers and left 19 others seriously injured in a horrific act of violence within a place of worship in Canada.

The very name of this day asks us to continue to be vigilant in our stand against the climate of rising Islamophobia in which this tragedy occurred. And that we take action to confront and counter the extreme discourse that fuels Islamophobia and discrimination against the Muslim faith and community.

As institutions of higher learning, we carry a responsibility to cultivate a learning environment free from intimidation. An environment in which people of all faiths and cultures welcome each other with curiosity and care — values that are at the core of our Royal Roads community.

Today and every day we must remain committed to the work that fosters a society free from hatred and discrimination.