On February 1, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Members of Council, and the Islamic Society of Markham held a vigil for the victims of the attack that took place on Sunday at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec in Ste-Foy, Québec City. More than 300 community members gathered at the Markham Civic Centre for this solemn ceremony.
People from various organizations, elected officials from Markham, and residents with diverse backgrounds participated in the vigil to honor those who lost their lives and to show support for their families and the broader Muslim community.
The tragic incident at the Québec mosque serves as a reminder of our ongoing need to promote inclusivity, equality, and diversity both within our community and beyond. Markham’s Diversity Action Plan, Everyone Welcome, highlights the City’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The City Council and staff are dedicated to engaging with Markham’s diverse population through its Diversity Action Plan. This effort aligns with Building Markham’s Future Together: 2015 – 2019 Strategic Plan aimed at creating an engaged, diverse, and thriving city. As Canada’s most diverse city, Markham continues to celebrate everyone’s contributions regardless of 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 following 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; York Regional Police Chaplain; Ehsan Ehsanullah; President of the Islamic Society of Markham; Kim Wheatley; Anishinaabe Band Member from Shawanaga First Nation.
The remembrance ceremony concluded with a candlelight 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
Source link
“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 following 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; York Regional Police Chaplain; Ehsan Ehsanullah; President of the Islamic Society of Markham; Kim Wheatley; Anishinaabe Band Member from Shawanaga First Nation.
The remembrance ceremony concluded with a candlelight 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
Source link
