A solemn Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke of sadness and solidarity with Canada’s Muslim community Monday as the country reeled amid the aftermath of a deadly, hate-fuelled “act of terror” at a mosque in Quebec City.
On Parliament’s first day back following the Christmas break, Trudeau sang the praises of diversity and inclusion at a time when the country he leads is grappling with a profound shift in the other direction south of the border.
“It was an attack on our most intrinsic and cherished values as Canadians — values of openness, diversity and freedom of religion,” he said of the shooting that claimed the lives of six people and injured a dozen others Sunday night.
“To the more than 1 million Canadians who profess the Muslim faith, I want to say directly: we are with you; 36 million hearts are breaking with yours.”
It was too early to know — one way or the other — what motivated the gunman who opened fire during evening prayers inside the Centre culturel islamique de Quebec, a mosque in the Sainte-Foy neighbourhood of the provincial capital.
Trudeau’s words took on extra resonance given the broader context of chaos, confusion and anxiety around the world that has accompanied U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration ban on people coming from Muslim-majority countries.
“Know that we value you, that you enrich our shared country in immeasurable ways. It is your home.”
Earlier Monday, Trudeau spoke directly with his U.S. counterpart, who expressed his condolences and offered any necessary assistance.
Other party leaders also addressed the Commons, including interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose, who described the attacks as an affront to freedom of religion.
“An attack against a place of worship, against people praying in a mosque, is an attack on these very freedoms,” Ambrose said. “It negates the principles on which Canada was founded.”
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair said Canadians stand with their Muslim brothers and sisters.
“We mourn with them, we pray with them, and we promise that we will stand united and fight against the forces of hatred, bigotry, Islamophobia, and against those who peddle the politics of fear and division,” he said.
