Ontario's New Democrats are hoping education will be the key to fighting Islamophobia in the province.
The party has announced its intention to introduce legislation that would make October Islamic Heritage Month in Ontario.
“We have to do more to tackle discrimination, prejudice and Islamophobia,” says Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath. “This is an opportunity to recognize that increasing Islamophobia is a reality in Ontario, and to take action to combat it.”
The bill will be introduced by London-Fanshawe MPP Teresa Armstrong, the party's Citizenship and Immigration Critic.
"It's so important that we have those conversations so that we can combat people's ignorance," says Armstrong. "The diversity and inclusion that our society has makes us stronger and makes a better society."
If passed, the bill would bring Ontario in line with the federal government, which declared October as Islamic Heritage Month in 2007.
“This is about building a better future for all of our children,” says Horwath. “We have to make sure that every member of the Muslim community, and every Ontarian, feels safe and secure here in our province. That’s the only way Ontario can reach its potential. All Ontarians should be able to learn about and celebrate the tremendous contributions that Canadians of Islamic Heritage have made throughout our province’s history – and the tremendous contributions that the community is making to build a better future for all Ontarians.”
