Markham Holds Vigil for Québec Mosque Attack Victims

On February 1, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Members of Council and members of the Islamic Society of Markham hosted a vigil for the victims of Sunday’s attack at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec in Ste-Foy, Québec City. Over 300 members of the community gathered at the Markham Civic Centre for the ceremony.

Community organizations, elected officials from the City of Markham and residents from various backgrounds participated in the vigil to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, to show support for their loved ones and for the Muslim community at-large.

Sunday’s tragic event at the Québec mosque is a reminder of the continuing need to engage and foster greater understanding of inclusivity, equality and diversity in our community and beyond. Markham’s Diversity Action Plan, Everyone Welcome, confirms the City’s commitment to, and the value of, a welcoming and inclusive community.

City Council and staff continue to engage Markham's diverse community through its Diversity Action Plan, which is supported by the City’s goal for an engaged, diverse and thriving city through Building Markham’s Future Together: 2015 – 2019 Strategic Plan. As Canada’s most diverse city, Markham continues to encourage, celebrate and value the contributions of everyone – regardless of their religion, background, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

QUOTES

• "We are here today to stand in solidarity and to remember the six victims of the tragic event that occurred in Québec City," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "Markham’s vibrant community consists of residents of many backgrounds, cultures and religions.” Adding that “Sunday’s event reminds us that, as a community, we must continue to promote inclusivity by celebrating and embracing everyone’s diversity.”
  
• “Canada is comprised of resilient individuals with different values and faiths, and is a place where people come together to live respectfully in peace and harmony,” said Khalid Usman, a representative from the Islamic Society of Markham. “In the face of this attack, we are honoured to stand united with the diverse community of the City of Markham, and with our Muslim friends and family around the world to heal.”

PHOTOS

Mayor Frank Scarpitti stands in solidarity with our diverse community as an ally and a friend – extending condolences to the Muslim community in the wake of Sunday’s attack at a mosque in Québec City.
(L to R) Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP Oak Ridges – Markham; Imam Imran Khan, member of the Islamic Society of Markham; Dr. Mansfield Edwards, President of the Ontario Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and York Regional Police Chaplain; Ehsan Ehsanullah, President of the Islamic Society of Markham and Kim Wheatley, Anishinaabe Band Member of Shawanaga First Nation.

The remembrance ceremony ended with a candle light vigil around the Peace Flame outside the Markham Civic Centre.

For more information:

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti: mayorscarpitti@markham.ca or 905.475.4872

Media inquiries / interview requests: Corporate Communications, media@markham.ca or 905.477.7000 ext. 7548