A Sacred Duty of Remembrance: Nine Years Since the Québec City Mosque Attack
As we observe the National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia, we do more than look back in grief. We reaffirm a collective promise to confront the hatred that fuelled that tragedy.
Editorial
Nine years ago, the quiet of an evening prayer at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Québec City was shattered by an act of unspeakable violence.
On January 29, 2017, six men—fathers, husbands, sons, and cherished community members—were stolen from us in a targeted attack that shook the foundations of our nation.
As we observe the National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia, we do more than look back in grief.
We reaffirm a collective promise to confront the hatred that fuelled that tragedy and to build a Canada where every person can pray, live, and belong without fear.
Honoring the Fallen
We carry the names of the six victims in our hearts, ensuring their legacies are never obscured by the darkness of the event that took them.
We remember Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane, and Aboubaker Thabti.
These were men who contributed to the fabric of Québec and Canada through their work in science, public service, and business.
Their loss remains a profound void, not only for their families and the 19 others injured that night but for the entire Canadian community.
A Coast-to-Coast Commemoration
From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Canadians are gathering this week to mark this ninth anniversary with prayer, reflection, and civic action.
In the heart of the tragedy’s home, Québec City is organizing a solemn commemorative ceremony at the former City Hall building to honour the victims near the site of the attack.
Across Ontario, the remembrance takes many forms.
In Ottawa, Carleton University is observing the Green Square Campaign all week, with the entrance bridge and Richcraft Hall tunnel illuminated in green.
Further south, the Hamilton Mountain Mosque is hosting an evening of reflection to discuss the ongoing impact of Islamophobia, while the town of Ajax invites the public to Pat Bayly Square for a flag-lowering ceremony and the lighting of the town sign.
In Western Canada, the message of solidarity remains strong.
At UBC Vancouver and McNair Secondary, students and faculty are hosting awareness events, and the Ladner Clock Tower is set to glow green in memory of the fallen.
Smaller municipalities like the Town of Lincoln are also participating through national flag-raising and dedicated moments of silence.
Solidarity in Action: The Green Square Campaign
A central part of this year’s observance is the Green Square Campaign, an initiative by the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM).
The small patch of green fabric worn on lapels is a powerful symbol.
It represents the green carpets of the Québec City mosque where the victims last knelt in prayer.
It also symbolizes hope—the "green gardens" of paradise where we pray the deceased now rest.
This year, the movement has grown beyond community centres; major labor unions like Unifor, PSAC, and CUPE have joined the call, urging their members to wear the square and advocate for anti-Islamophobia education in workplaces and schools.
Beyond Reflection: The Work Ahead
While remembrance is a sacred duty, it must be accompanied by action.
We cannot ignore that in the years since 2017, we have seen further tragedies, including the devastating attack on the Afzaal family in London, Ontario.
The resilience shown by the survivors and the families in Québec City remains our greatest inspiration.
They have turned their pain into a call for unity, inviting all Canadians to stand with them.
As we lower flags and light our monuments in green, let us resolve to make every day a day of action.
Our strength as a country is not found in uniformity, but in our unwavering commitment to protect one another’s right to be different, yet equal.