As people across Canada grieve for the six people killed and others injured in a Quebec City mosque, they’re also coming together to show their support.
“It’s in every hallway and at every watercooler, for sure,” says Martin Bunton, a professor in Middle East history at the University of Victoria and interim director of the Centre of Global Studies.
Mayor Nils Jensen offered Oak Bay’s support for the victims and greater community following the shooting.
“Sunday’s fatal shooting ... was a senseless act of horrific violence perpetrated on innocents gathered in a sacred place of worship. We join with our citizens to mourn those who lost their lives, to pray for those who are injured, and to grieve with the families affected by this terrible event,” Jensen said.
“Diversity and multiculturalism are among our country’s greatest strengths. While our sense of civility and humanity has been shaken, this heinous act must not be a threat to our free and open democratic society. We stand strong against all acts of intolerance, and we are united in our humble offering of condolence to all affected,” Jensen said.
Canada’s message of strength in diversity stands in contrast to the current climate in the United States.
The global community is also responding strongly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s ban on travellers from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
While the U.S. is also a country built on immigration, “now, if you’re painting America in terms of a Muslim ban, that is such a gift for the terrorist organizations,” Bunton said.
At the same time, as Sunday’s attacks have shown, Canadians can’t be complacent in their diversity, he said. “We have our own history of discrimination and marginalization.”
He encourages people to keep talking and keep learning about the issues from reputable sources.
Actions like Tuesday’s rally in downtown Victoria are indicative of people’s desire to do something in response to incidents like the tragedy in Quebec and Trump’s actions, Bunton suggests.
Oak Bay’s Cairine Green and her husband attended the gathering in response to the mosque shooting and the climate in the United States since Trump’s election and inauguration.
“When we arrived at 10:30 a.m. there was a small gathering of 10 or so people but by 11 a.m., the crowd had suddenly grown.... (Victoria) Mayor Lisa Helps and the local Imam spoke eloquently and one of the most moving moments for us was when we all stood together to sing O Canada, a fitting closing to the event. Strangers spontaneously hugged one another as the crowd quietly dispersed,” Green said.
“At times like this, coming together in solidarity with others at such gatherings, provides a sense of strength and reassurance. Attending today’s event helps us to demonstrate our love and acceptance of our Muslim community, to feel that we are doing something positive and that somehow, we are helping to make a small difference.”
Alexandre Bissonnette, 27, has been charged in the attack.