Mayors of London, Ont. and Quebec City push PM for summit on Islamophobia
![London Flowers and cards lay outside the London Muslim Mosque in London, Ont. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 after a hate-inspired terrorist attack on Sunday left four members of a Muslim family dead and their nine-year-old son in hospital. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Geoff Robins](/content/dam/cp24/en/images/2021/6/8/london-1-5461631-1627396610204.jpg)
The mayors of two cities where deadly attacks on the Muslim community have occurred, have sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pushing for a summit on Islamophobia.
The letter, from London Mayor Ed Holder and Quebec City Mayor Regis Labeaume, praises Parliament's unanimous vote in favour of an Emergency National Action Summit on Islamophobia, but says urgent action is needed.
The letter comes following an vehicle attack on a Muslim family in London that left four dead and one injured.
On June 6 the Afzaal family was out for a walk when they were struck by a pickup truck. Salman Afzaal, 46, his 44-year-old wife Madiha, their 15-year-old daughter Yumnah and her 74-year-old grandmother Talat Afzaal were all killed. Nine-year-old Fayez Afzaal continues to recover from his injuries.
Nathaniel Veltman, 20, of London is facing four counts of first-degree murder, and one count of attempted murder. Police have alleged all five counts also constitute terrorism offences.
In January 2017, six members of the Muslim community were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City in what was widely called a terrorist attack.
Alexandre Bissonnette was sentenced to six life sentences without possibility of parole for 40 years after pleading guilty to six counts of first-degree murder and six more of attempted murder.
The letter explains, "As a result of these and countless other vile Islamophobic incidents, both subtle and overt, the need for urgent action is undeniable. First and foremost, the voices of people representing Muslim communities from across Canada must be heard."
It also calls for municipalities to have an active role in the summit, saying, "we stand shoulder to shoulder with members of our local communities, and all Canadians who seek a safer, more equitable and compassionate Canada."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6949994.1720031014!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
'I am running': Biden scrambles as pressure grows to abandon his campaign
U.S. President Joe Biden vowed to stay in the 2024 presidential race during a call with campaign staff on Wednesday and sought to reassure top Democrats on Capitol Hill that he is fit for reelection despite his shaky debate performance last week.
Is Greece's six-day work week an option in Canada? An expert weighs in
As some Canadian companies explore offering staff a four-day work week, experts are watching Greece's move closely and suggest it could work in Canada.
Ontario man suffers cardiac arrest in Florida. This is why insurance won't cover his $620,000 hospital bill
An Ontario man who wanted to spend time with his family in Florida was hospitalized after suffering a cardiac arrest at the airport as he was about to fly back to Canada.
Irish prime minister 'appalled' by Montrealer's death after alleged assault
Ireland's prime minister says he's "absolutely appalled" by an assault in the country's capital that resulted in the death of a tourist from Montreal.
'Not my finest moment:' Police called to dispute between Ottawa city councillor and daycare owner
Ottawa city councillor Clarke Kelly says he is not apologizing after a Kinburn daycare owner alleged he screamed and swore in front of children during a dispute that saw police called to the scene on Wednesday afternoon.
Hudson's Bay Co. to purchase U.S. department store Neiman Marcus: reports
Hudson's Bay Co. has reached a deal to buy luxury department store chain Neiman Marcus, according to media reports.
Trudeau focused on governing, fighting right-wing populism following byelection loss
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been taking calls from different members of his Liberal caucus following the party's historic byelection loss in a Toronto riding last week, but the prime minister said his focus remains on governing.
Canadian feels 'abandoned' in Mexico after WestJet strike
More than 1,100 WestJet flights and counting have been cancelled since last Thursday, when a strike by the airlines mechanics union grounded travel plans for more than 100,000 customers.
DEVELOPING Hurricane Beryl roars by Jamaica after killing at least 6 people in the southeast Caribbean
Hurricane Beryl was roaring by Jamaica Wednesday, bringing fierce winds and heavy rain after the powerful Category 4 storm earlier killed at least six people and caused significant damage in the southeast Caribbean.