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Peterborough-Kawarthas chapter at vigil for those killed at mosque in Quebec City

Photo by The Peterborough Examiner.


The Council of Canadians Peterborough-Kawarthas chapter attended a Peterborough Peace Council vigil this afternoon in response to the attack on the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec last night that left six people dead and eight wounded.


The outreach for the gathering highlighted, “Tonight’s Peace Vigil will be in remembrance of those killed at the Quebec City Mosque yesterday and to show solidarity with the Muslim community in Peterborough. Tonight, space will be held especially for Muslim voices and the voices of those living with racism. Peace Council member groups planning to be present tonight include the Community Race Relations Committee and the Abraham Festival. There will also be representation from the Trent Muslim Students’ Association. Please bring lanterns, glow sticks, little lights, and candles contained inside mason jars or other deep candle holder (for safety). Remember to dress warmly!”


The Peterborough Examiner reports, “A vigil was held Monday afternoon near Peterborough City Hall in response to the fatal shootings at a Quebec City mosque Sunday night. The Peterborough group, members of the Peace Council and supporters, gathered at the corner of George and McDonnel streets from 5 to 6 p.m. Organizers walked with signs and placards before gathering in a circle to talk about what happened.”


In November 2015, the Peterborough-Kawarthas chapter also spoke out against the arson attack on the Al-Salaam mosque in their community.


Chapter activist Jo Hayward-Haines wrote in a letter to the editor, “At a recent meeting of our local chapter of the Council of Canadians we reflected on our mandate – a better Canada is possible. Our response to the attacks on innocent people in Paris was deepened by the fire-bombing locally of Masjid Al-Salaam, our only mosque. A temple of peace. The Council of Canadians has long recognized how important the work of building a culture of understanding, social justice and environmental responsibility is. We are heartened by the response of Peterborough in support of our Muslim brothers and sisters. It’s a profound demonstration of the power of love over intolerance and hate.”


The Council of Canadians calls on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reject US President Donald Trump’s ban that prohibits people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States, for the Minister of Immigration to present a plan in the House of Commons on how to address this situation, and for the federal government to immediately rescind the Safe Third Country agreement with the United States.


The Council of Canadians supports diversity and inclusion, and rejects racism and Islamophobia.