Montrealers mark anniversary of Quebec City mosque attack, renew calls to combat Islamophobia

Montrealers gathered in Pierrefonds to mark the anniversary of the 2017 Quebec City Mosque shooting, remembering the six Muslim men killed and reflecting on how the attack permanently altered perceptions of safety and belonging in Canada.

Community members said the tragedy continues to resonate years later, shaping how many Canadians view their country.

“They changed how many of us saw Canada, the country we believe to be a place of safety and belonging suddenly felt more fragile than we had ever imagined,” said Ola Shaheen, marketing lead at the Canadian Youth Development Center.

The event brought together residents, advocates and community leaders to honour the lives lost and to take a stand against Islamophobia. It was hosted by Canada’s special representative on combating Islamophobia in collaboration with the Canadian Youth Development Center, and emphasized that efforts to address hate and discrimination must continue.

Dr. Kosar Khwaja, a trauma surgeon and critical care physician, said he believes progress made after the attack has stalled.

“I feel like we’re going backwards,” said Dr. Khwaja.

Reflecting on the years since the shooting, Dr. Khwaja said the warning signs leading up to the attack are still present today.

“That happened in 2017, there was a lead up to that, the sentiment of islamophobia was growing,” said Dr. Khwaja.  “This major event happened and then yes, in the media, it was, all the channels were talking about it, and on social media. But then fast forward, nine years later, and I don’t think that we’ve progressed. I honestly feel like we’ve taken several steps back.”

Speakers at the gathering stressed that combating Islamophobia does not only rely on large-scale initiatives, but also on everyday actions within local communities.

“My biggest takeaway from tonight is that we all have to do our part in combating islamophobia and it can be as simple as getting to know your neighbour,” said Catherine Roscoe, community engagement and events manager at Overture With the Arts. “There are many big people out in the world doing big actions and we might feel like we can’t operate at that level. But simply getting to know your neighbours, your community and participate in whatever way you can to literally just get to know people around you and see that there’s so much more in common than there are differences.”

Shaheen said the impact of the 2017 attack continues to shape conversations about safety and inclusion across the country.

“That day changed how many of us saw Canada, the country we believe to be a place of safety and belonging suddenly felt more fragile than we had ever imagined,” said Shaheen.

Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s special representative on combatting Islamophobia says it’s crucial to combat all forms of hate.

“It’s crucial that Canadians continue to combat Islamophobia because like all forms of hate, it undermines our social fusion and our democracy,” said Elghawaby.

Khwaja said, “When you start learning about different cultures and different religious backgrounds, and I think this is how people understand you and understand different communities, and I think that this is how barriers are broken.”

Elghawaby said remembering the attack must also strengthen commitments to unity and collective action.

“Every time we remember what happened in Quebec City on Jan. 29th, it is an opportunity not only to remember but to be more committed than ever to fight back against intolerance and hatred because simple touch, this hurts all of us,” said Elghawaby. “All Canadians are impacted because hate is meant to divide us, and we must remain united to build a beautiful progressive society where everyone responds.”