London, Ont. Muslim community reacts to national Islamophobia summit
There is mixed reactions among London's Muslim leaders to the sentiment and efficacy of the federal government's National Action Summit on Islamophobia.
The summit was aimed at giving representatives from Canada's Muslim community the opportunity to speak to political leaders about the growing concerns around Islamophobia.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s main message from Thursday's virtual summit was that, "There is no place in Canada for Islamophobia."
He added, “I’m here to listen to you on what our next steps should be to continue building a country where everyone is welcome, safe and respected.”
Imam Aarij Anwer of the London Muslim Mosque attended the summit and says it's a step in the right direction.
“Addressing the problem and calling it out as it is. And these are important first steps, we can’t overlook the significance of them.”
London Muslim Mosque Member Nawaz Tahir echoes that sentiment.
“I was happy to hear some comments by some cabinet ministers about some of the immediate steps they’re going to take, for example investigating the (Canada Revenue Agency) and the complaints about Muslim charities being targeted.”
However, both did not support the government's lack of response to concerns about Quebec's Bill 21 banning government workers from wearing religious symbols.
“What we’ve heard from our ministers, our leaders, is Muslim women are the most vulnerable because they’re visibly Muslim," Anwer says. "How can we say they’re vulnerable, they need to be protected while also having a law like Bill C 21 on the books?”
And although the summit was a step in the right direction, both also agree the work doesn't stop here.
“The strength of the summit will be based on the actions of the government in the next 60 days and that will be the true measure of whether or not the summit was a success,” Tahir says.
He hopes the government will consider the concerns raised during Thursday's summit and act quickly.
"I think a lot of the recommendations don’t even need parliament to be in session. Government can act on them tomorrow or Monday or next week.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Canadian Auger-Aliassime reaches first Masters final in Madrid with another walkover
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to his first ATP Masters final, and he hasn't had to play all that much tennis to do it.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.