The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador designates tomorrow, January 29, as the Day of Remembrance for the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. On this day we remember all the people who have been lost or injured by acts of domestic terrorism targeting members of the Muslim faith community.

January 29 is also a day for action. It is the responsibility of all of us to counter Islamophobia. We must find where it is growing. We must eradicate it, root and stem, and in its place plant the seeds of diversity and inclusion.

At the request of the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism, Confederation Building will be lit green from Friday, January 28 until Sunday, January 30. The colour green has long been associated with Islamic faith. Minister Byrne will join President of the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dr. Syed Pirzada, at Confederation Building at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, January 28, to observe the occasion.

The work of the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism continues to seek solutions to Islamophobia, and all forms of racism, in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Committee has heard directly from the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Addressing Islamophobia in Newfoundland and Labrador Project. These groups have informed Government about ways to challenge racism in society and in institutions.

If anyone has experienced or witnessed Islamophobia, or has ideas on how to address and prevent it in Newfoundland and Labrador, please consider completing the online questionnaire. The last date for submissions is February 28, 2022.

This Government will never be silent about the issues that matter. The work done today will ensure a better future for the next generation of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Sincerely:
Honourable Gerry Byrne, Co-Chair
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

Honourable Lisa Dempster, Co-Chair
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education

Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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Media contact
Jeremy Reynolds
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
709-729-2377
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

Allan Bock
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-4449, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca

Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5524, 730-4607
emilyjanegillingham@gov.nl.ca