Statement on Islamophobic attack in London, Ontario

Our team was deeply disheartened and outraged at the news of a violent Islamophobic attack in London, Ontario this week. Four members of a family were killed, representing three generations and leaving behind a young child suffering serious injuries. The accused killer did not know the victims but planned the attack and targeted the family because they were perceived as Muslim, instilling fear in Muslim communities across the country. This attack comes four years after the devastating shooting at the Quebec City mosque where six people were killed. Islamophobia, like all forms of racism, is rooted in white supremacy. We stand in solidarity with Muslim members of the nonprofit sector and all of those belonging to the Muslim community against violent, oppressive and systemic Islamophobia.

Two leading Muslim charities have released statements in response to the attacks: the Muslim Association of Canada and the National Council of Canadian Muslims. The National Association of Canadian Muslims has also created a petition calling for the creation of a  “National Action Summit on Islamophobia to take immediate action on dismantling both violent forms of Islamophobia and systemic Islamophobia.” We echo their calls for action.

As the umbrella organization for the charitable and nonprofit sector, we recognize that Islamophobia impacts many parts of our sector. We are committed to working with our colleagues to address systemic Islamophobia in our organizations and in our funding and regulatory environments.