The Ontario Federation of Labour is horrified and heartbroken by the Islamophobic attack on a London, Ontario family that took place on Sunday, June 6. The attack killed four family members and left a nine-year-old child with life-threatening injuries.
“This act of hate is tragic and horrific. No one should fear going for a walk, or worshipping, or taking public transit because of their faith,” said Patty Coates, Ontario Federation of Labour President. “Ontario’s labour movement is committed to doing more to combat Islamophobia and white supremacy in our communities and our workplaces.”
The OFL sends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues impacted by this tragedy and commits to fighting against all forms of racism, bigotry, and hate. We also recognize that racist attacks are on the rise in Canada including vandalism of mosques and synagogues in Toronto and Montréal and the disruption of First Nations events in Halifax by a white supremacist group. From 2015-2019, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) tracked more than 300 incidents of Islamophobia, including the horrific attack at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec.
“This act of hate against our Muslim brothers and sisters, friends, and comrades is heartbreaking,” said Ahmad Gaied, OFL Secretary-Treasurer. “We extend our solidarity to all those who have been impacted by this despicable rise in white supremacist violence and encourage everyone to work with anti-racist movements across the country to combat Islamophobia.”
The Ontario Federation of Labour joins the NCCM’s call for justice and commits to combating racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and hate in all forms.
A community vigil will take place at the London Muslim Mosque on Tuesday, June 8 @ 7:00p.m. The Vigil will be live streamed on Facebook on the London Muslim Mosque Facebook page.
Take Action:
- Use the hashtag #OurLondonFamily
- Donate to support the 9-year-old student who was the sole survivor of this tragic hate crime
