Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, has released the following statement in celebration of Islamic Heritage Month: 

“October marks Islamic Heritage Month in British Columbia, an opportunity to celebrate the rich history, traditions and contributions of the world’s diverse Muslim communities, while also challenging harmful stereotypes and breaking down barriers that separate us.

“Muslims have been part of Canada’s story for more than a century, and today, over 125,000 Muslims call B.C. home. The Muslim diaspora is one of the most diverse in our province, with people coming from countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. They contribute to every aspect of life in B.C., from serving as teachers and health-care workers to running small businesses and pioneering vital academic research.

“At the same time, Islamophobia has been on the rise globally and many across the province have called for targeted support to counteract these trends. That is why our government has dedicated resources specifically to fighting Islamophobia, including the Racist Incident Helpline and our Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants. Work is already underway on creating the Anti-Racism Action Plan, as part of the historic Anti-Racism Act passed in 2024, and will specifically address Islamophobia.

“While it is vital to actively fight racism, it is just as important to take the opportunity to celebrate when we can. Muslim values are Canadian values, whether that is the belief in helping others or fighting for equality for all. This October, I encourage all people in British Columbia to participate in local events, explore the rich heritage of Islamic art and literature, and learn about the history and achievements of Muslims here in our province and across the world.”