As Halifax holds vigil to remember London, Ont., family, N.S. Imams call for legislation to outlaw Islamophobia
Nova Scotia Muslims gathered Wednesday evening to honour the Muslim family that police say was targeted and killed by a hit-and-run driver in London, Ont., on the weekend.
Before they did so, the Council of Imams asked the Nova Scotia government to define Islamophobia and prosecute those guilty of Islamophobic acts.
On Tuesday night, thousands turned out in London, Ont. People of different ethnicities and religions were united in support of the Muslim community in the wake of a horrific act of targeted violence that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called an act of terrorism: four members of a single family -- three generations – were run down and killed by a hit-and-run driver.
"Islamophobia is real," Trudeau said.
None of this is lost on Nova Scotia Imams, who've been saying it for years.
In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday night, the provincial Imam Council is calling on the province to specifically define Islamophobia, and double down on prosecuting perpetrators.
They also want a strong reporting system, with a mandate of following up with action.
They are demands primarily driven by fear.
"We have no doubt that somebody else, sometime, somewhere else in Canada, might be contemplating a similar act," said Imam Mohamed Yaffa.
Nova Scotia's opposition leader says he'd support anti-Islamophobic legislation.
"I support the ask," Houston said. "It's a very reasonable ask."
Nova Scotia Premier Iain Rankin offered words of solidarity on Wednesday, but no promises of legislation.
"I can't imagine your pain," he said during a news conference. "I want you to know that you are not alone and Nova Scotia is with you."
There is also support in Moncton, where another vigil is in the works for Thursday night.
"The biggest thing we want to achieve is to come together and heal," said Abdal Kahn of the Moncton Muslim Association. "Talk about it, so that we can collectively share our sadness and sorrow."
As the community mourns and remembers, they hope political leadership will use its considerable-power to keep it from happening again.
If you need mental health help in the wake of the London, Ont., vehicle attack, support and resources are available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.
BREAKING Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.