West Island Liberal volunteers allegedly target of ‘Islamophobic harassment’
Posted March 25, 2025 12:34 pm.
Last Updated March 25, 2025 4:44 pm.
Two female volunteers for Pierrefonds—Dollard Liberal candidate Sameer Zuberi were said to be target of “Islamophobic harassment” on Monday evening while putting up campaign posters at Westpark and Lake streets in Montreal’s DDO.
One of the volunteers was a minor and they were “the target of verbal abuse,” Zuberi said in a statement posted to social media. “A man threatened to tear [the posters] down and shouted Islamophobic profanities.”
“This is unacceptable,” he added.
Please see my statement. pic.twitter.com/6AqysCz7tT
— Sameer Zuberi ???????? (@SameerZuberi) March 24, 2025
The Canadian Muslim Forum (FMC-CMF) is expressing concern over the incident, saying the women were “subjected to Islamophobic harassment and intimidation.”
The FMC-CMF president, Samer Majzoub, told CityNews that he is deeply concerned.
“This event serves as yet another painful reminder of the growing normalization of hate, discrimination, and bigotry, with women and girls bearing the brunt of these harmful acts,” he said.
“We call upon all stakeholders in society, including political leaders, to recognize that fighting Islamophobia and hate requires more than just rhetoric,” he added. “It is imperative that we implement clear policies and action plans aimed at addressing and dismantling all forms of hate and discrimination.”
The Canadian Muslim Forum Expresses Deep Concern Over Islamophobic Incident in the riding of Pierrefonds-Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Calls for Concrete Action https://t.co/0FPvKF8Rnp @SameerZuberi
— Canadian Muslim Forum/Forum musulman canadien (@CNDMuslimForum) March 25, 2025
A police report was filed, Zuberi said in his statement.
CityNews reached out to Montreal Police (SPVM) regarding the incident, and they said that for confidentiality reasons they cannot comment on a specific police intervention.
“Concrete steps must be taken to ensure that incidents like this are prevented in the future,” said Majzoub. “Fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all.”
Toute ma solidarité à toi et à votre équipe de campagne, @SameerZuberi ????
— Craig Sauvé (@CraigSauve) March 25, 2025
Les attaques racistes sont inacceptables et l’Islamophobie n’a pas sa place au Canada. https://t.co/rwyZGVUaJg
“We won’t stand for hate,” Zuberi said. “The Liberal Party is a party of diversity and multiculturalism.”
“We are proud,” he added. “To have Canadians from all backgrounds represented.”
