Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia:

“Nine years ago, dozens of worshippers were gathered at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Québec when their evening prayers were violently interrupted by a horrific act of Islamophobia. Six men were killed and several more were injured when a gunman shattered their sense of safety and sanctuary.  

“Today, we honour those we lost: Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane and Aboubaker Thabti. We mourn with their loved ones and their community. And we hold in our thoughts all those who were injured and traumatized by this attack.

“We must continue to confront the reality that Islamophobia persists in our province – in public spaces, online and in places where people should feel safe. Hate directed at Muslim communities has no place in British Columbia or in Canada.

“Our government remains committed to taking meaningful action. Through the Anti-Hate Community Support Fund, we are helping community organizations and places of worship strengthen security measures and recover from hate-motivated damage. The Anti-Racism Act is driving change throughout government programs and services. And our racist incident helpline provides support for people who experience or witness acts of hate.

“British Columbia is a stronger, more compassionate place because of our diversity. On this solemn day, and every day, we stand with Muslim communities in our province and throughout the country. We reaffirm our commitment to building a safer, more inclusive province for everyone.”