The Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC) formally launched a policy handbook on Islamophobia on Thursday, marking five years since a Muslim family was killed in London, Ontario.
Press conference on Parliament Hill
CMPAC Executive Director Khaled Alqazzaz was joined by NDP MP Heather McPherson at a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The handbook outlines recommendations for addressing Islamophobia in Canada.
The June 6, 2021 attack in London, Ontario, killed four members of the Afzaal family: Salman Afzaal, his wife Madiha Salman, their daughter Yumna, and her grandmother Talat Afzaal. The lone survivor was their young son.
Alqazzaz emphasized that more needs to be done to combat hatred against Muslims. He called on all levels of government to adopt the handbook's recommendations.
Ongoing concerns
McPherson noted that Islamophobia remains a serious issue in Canada, and that the handbook provides concrete steps to create safer communities. The event came amid growing calls for action against hate crimes.
