Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement marking the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec on Jan. 29, 2017:

“Four years ago in Quebec City, Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane and Aboubaker Thabti were murdered, and many others injured, in a place of safety and worship.

“The lives of their families, friends and communities were changed forever. Our nation mourned. A holy place was violated.

“At a time when hate and bigotry are on the rise here at home and around the world, it takes all our voices to challenge racist acts, condemn hate speech and stand up for a more equitable society that promotes respect for all.

“We grow as a society when we get to know each other and understand the culture, beliefs and ancestry of people in our communities. At a time when we need each other the most, we must come together to build a stronger province and stronger communities.

“Today, we stand with the Muslim community and pledge to keep fighting against hate, bigotry and Islamophobia.”

For French, Arabic, Farsi and Urdu translations, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PREM0007-000164#translations