NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. /globalnews.ca
The summer of 2021 was a difficult one for Muslim families in Ontario. The lowest of lowlights in London being the senseless killing of four members of the Afzaal family.
While this truly heinous act brought together much of the London community in a stand against discrimination, there is still lots of work to be done, work that Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath hopes to begin soon.
The NDP Leader held a press conference Monday morning alongside the CEO of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, Mustafa Farooq. The collaboration between the two was to signify a new partnership between the NDP party and the National Council of Canadian Muslims in hopes of introducing legislation that will help take action against Islamophobia in Ontario.
Horwath began by touching on the London attack and the lone survivor, 9-year old Fayez Afzaal.
“We want him and all Muslim children to grow up knowing that we did everything we could possibly do,” says Horwath. “To make sure that no one should be scared to go for a walk in their neighbourhood or community wearing a hijab.”
The Our London Family movement that began after the London attack.
Farooq later spoke, reiterating the importance of fair treatment to people of the Islamic faith while also pointing out how distressing it is that this issue has to be spoken on.
“I’m here today because I shouldn’t have to be,” explains Farooq. “I’m here today because in the last 16 months, we’ve had five people killed by murderers who are allegedly motivated by Islamophobia and white supremacy.”
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath closed by stating that she hopes other party leaders will join her along the journey to eliminating Islamophobia and discrimination as a whole.
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