By Canadian Press

Victims of mosque attack to be honoured by national day of remembrance, action

Jan 28, 2021 | 2:28 PM

OTTAWA — The federal government intends to make Jan. 29 a day to honour victims of the deadly 2017 attack on a Quebec City mosque.

Canadian Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault made the announcement Thursday, the day before the fourth anniversary of the attack.

Six people were killed and 19 seriously injured when a gunman burst into the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City.

The day will be officially called the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia.

Guilbeault says Canadians have an obligation to not just remember the victims but also a responsibility to combat discrimination.

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“On this sombre anniversary, we honour the memory of the victims of this hateful act of Islamophobia and racism. Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones who continue to suffer, and to all the residents of Quebec City whose community has been forever changed by this tragedy,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“Today, we also remember the first responders who did everything they could, with courage and dedication, to save congregants and ease their pain. And we recognize the solidarity that Quebecers and all Canadians showed with Muslim communities across the country in denouncing this senseless act of violence.”

The National Council of Canadian Muslims, one of many groups urging the government to designate the day, says it will stand as a reminder of the lives lost and the work ahead to dismantle hate and racism.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 28, 2021.

The Canadian Press