March 15, 2019

Unifor condemns the deaths of more than 49 Muslims in Christchurch, New Zealand and we stand united in grief with Muslim communities.

The shockwaves of this massacre are being felt around the world and in Canadian cities and towns. Unifor is committed to doing everything in our power to fight racism and Islamophobia.

The actions of terrorists represent the worst in our societies. In Canada, we witnessed Islamophobic violence when six Muslim worshippers were murdered at a prayer service on January 29, 2017. Azzedine Soufiane, Khaled Belkacemi,  Aboubaker Thabti, Abdelkrim Hassane, Mamadou Tanou Barry and Ibrahima Barry were killed in that targeted shooting in a Quebec City mosque.

White supremacy has been allowed to manifest thanks to right wing politicians who capitalize on divisiveness and hatred.

A social media account alleged to belong to one of the New Zealand attackers featured a link to an 87-page manifesto filled with anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim propaganda.

We must recommit to unite and fight the language and tactics of these racist instigators.

Today we mourn.

Tomorrow and everyday, we continue to fight and refute any politicians or public figures that seek to divide us.