Photo by Kate Dempsey
The Council of Canadians PEI chapter joined with thousands today to march against Islamophobia, White Supremacy and government policies in both Canada and the United States that discriminate against refugees.
CBC reports, “Islanders marched as part of the National Day of Action against Islamophobia and White Supremacy. The march began at 11:30 a.m. at the bottom of Queen Street and continued to Province House.”
The Guardian adds, “More than 2,000 Islanders showed their support of the Muslim community during a massive silent march in Charlottetown on Saturday. The group, which included Muslim and non-Muslim participants, held the march following last Sunday’s shooting at a Quebec mosque that saw six killed. The solidarity march also included some prayers, speeches and meditative silences.”
That article highlights, “The march was also politically charged, with speakers blasting U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Omair Imiaz, who spoke on behalf of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, said the group was deeply concerned about rising Islamophobia within Canada. ‘We fear (Trump’s) policy will also aggravate this phenomenon’, said Imiaz.”
The organizers of the march have noted, “There is a need for Canada to step up and rescind many of its immigration policies. Some of our legislation creates hardship for refugee claimants. Now with the actions of the new US President, Canada’s policies create extremely dangerous situations for refugees. For example the Safe Third Country Agreement bars many refugees from entering Canada from the US over land to claim asylum in Canada. Many Canadians are unaware that the anti-terrorism legislation as found in Bill C-51 creates an anti-Muslim environment.”
Further reading
PEI chapter to join silent march against Islamophobia & White Supremacy (February 1, 2017)
PEI chapter to challenge Islamophobia and racism with rally and workshops (November 23, 2015)
