Canadian Government designates January 29 as National Day to Commemorate the Quebec City Mosque Shooting and a Day of Action Against Islamophobia

Four years ago, an act of terror took the lives of six people at the Grand Mosque in Quebec City and seriously injured 19 others. Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzeddine Soufiane, Aboubaker Thabti were fathers, husbands, loved ones, colleagues and Muslims. 

Their deaths were heartbreaking for their loved ones, for Muslim communities around the world and for Canadians. Islamophobia, hatred and radicalization—and the denial of these realities—are the root of this horrifying crime. 

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, has announced the Government of Canada’s intention to make January 29th a National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, to honour the victims and express solidarity with the survivors of this tragedy.

“This tragedy reminds us of the urgency to stand up against these hateful acts and online radicalization. Our government intends to introduce new regulations to require online platforms to remove illegal and hateful content before it causes more harm and damage. It is through actions like this that we will make Canada a safer and more secure country,” says Minister Steven Guilbeault.

“As Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, I join with Muslim Canadians—indeed all Canadians—in speaking out against the hatred that fuels Islamophobia. When faced with fear and intolerance, let us all be strong and united. This National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia will allow us not only never to forget this tragic event, but also to continue our efforts to make this country more open and inclusive from coast to coast to coast,” says the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth.