Canadian Muslim Forum/Forum musulman canadien

Français / English Lorsque la haine et l’intolérance sont laissées sans réponse et se propagent librement, leurs conséquences dépassent largement la communauté directement visée. Elles érodent la confiance sociale, accentuent les divisions, compromettent la sécurité publique et fragilisent les liens qui unissent notre société. Lorsque la haine reçoit le feu vert, c’est toute la société qui en paie le prix. When hate and bigotry are allowed to spread unchecked, their consequences extend far beyond any one targeted community. They erode social trust, deepen divisions, undermine public safety, and weaken the bonds that hold society together. When hate is given the green light, everyone pays the price. #anti_hate #anti_haine

PRESS RELEASE/COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE FMC-CMF Strongly Condemns Incident at Westmount Synagogue/FMC-CMF condamne fermement l’incident survenu à la synagogue de Westmount La version française suit; The Canadian Muslim Forum (FMC-CMF) expresses deep concern following an incident in which windows at a Westmount synagogue were struck by what police describe as apparent pellet gun fire. Any incident involving damage to a place of worship is concerning and raises questions about the safety and security of community and religious institutions and the communities they serve. Everyone should be able to practise their faith without fear or intimidation. FMC-CMF expresses its solidarity with the Jewish community and calls on the Montreal Police Service to conduct a thorough investigation, determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, establish motivation, and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on the findings. All forms of faith based hatred and intolerance must be unequivocally rejected. When hate and bigotry are allowed to spread unchecked, their consequences extend far beyond any one targeted community. They erode social trust, deepen divisions, undermine public safety, and weaken the bonds that hold society together. When hate is given the green light, everyone pays the price. Our communities deserve to live in safety, dignity, and mutual respect. Version française; FMC-CMF condamne fermement l’incident survenu à la synagogue de Westmount Le Forum musulman canadien (FMC-CMF) exprime sa profonde préoccupation à la suite d’un incident au cours duquel des fenêtres d’une synagogue de Westmount auraient été atteintes par des projectiles provenant possiblement d’une arme à plombs, selon les informations communiquées par la police. Tout incident impliquant des dommages à un lieu de culte est préoccupant et soulève des questions quant à la sécurité des institutions communautaires et religieuses ainsi que des communautés qu’elles desservent. Chacun devrait pouvoir pratiquer sa foi sans crainte ni intimidation. Le FMC-CMF exprime sa solidarité avec la communauté juive et demande au Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) de mener une enquête approfondie, de déterminer les circonstances entourant cet incident, d'en établir les motivations et de veiller à ce que les mesures appropriées soient prises à la lumière des conclusions de l’enquête. Toutes les formes de haine et d’intolérance fondées sur la foi doivent être rejetés sans équivoque. Lorsque la haine et le sectarisme sont laissés à se propager sans contrôle, leurs conséquences dépassent largement la communauté directement visée. Ils érodent la confiance sociale, accentuent les divisions, compromettent la sécurité publique et fragilisent les liens qui unissent notre société. Lorsque la haine reçoit le feu vert, c’est toute la société qui en paie le prix. Nos communautés méritent de vivre dans la sécurité, la dignité et le respect mutuel. -30-

PRESS RELEASE FMC-CMF Opposes Proposed Ban on What Are Called “Religious Symbols” for Primary School Students Montreal, October 28, 2026 The Canadian Muslim Forum (FMC-CMF) rejects the Parti Québécois government's proposed ban on visible faith “symbols” for primary school students. Excluding children from full participation in public education because of their personal convictions is not equality, and restricting their rights is not a legitimate substitute for protecting state neutrality. The proposal raises serious concerns about children's fundamental rights, freedom of conscience and the equality of women and girls. The proposal also continues the restrictive policy approach adopted under the previous Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) government, risking deeper divisions, reinforcing stereotypes and creating the impression that discrimination against minorities is acceptable. As reported by Le Journal de Québec on October 28, school administrators have questioned the need for such a prohibition. Kathleen Legault, president of the Association montréalaise des directions d’établissement scolaire, warned that some pupils could disengage from school if forced to remove their religious symbols. Francis Côté, president of the Fédération québécoise des directions d’établissement d’enseignement, expressed concern about the impact on relationships between schools and families. Protecting women and girls means safeguarding their dignity, choices and equal access to education, not imposing restrictions that could force them to choose between their personal convictions and their education. Any policy restricting fundamental freedoms must be justified, proportionate and consistent with the Canadian and Quebec Charters of Human Rights. The FMC-CMF calls on the Quebec government to reconsider the proposed ban, consult affected communities and focus on the education system's urgent needs, including staff retention, school infrastructure, violence prevention and student achievement. Consistent with its mission to promote individual rights and freedoms and help victims of human rights violations access legal remedies, the FMC-CMF advocates an approach grounded in equality, dignity and justice. Quebec can uphold state neutrality while respecting the rights of every child. No student should face exclusion or unequal treatment because of their identity or personal convictions. -30- fmc-cmf.ca/?p=3513

Le 22 octobre 2026 *English version follows FMC-CMF s’oppose aux tentatives visant à discréditer Ruba Ghazal Le Forum musulman canadien (FMC-CMF) réaffirme son engagement envers la protection des droits et libertés individuels, l’égalité, la dignité humaine et la liberté d’expression, conformément aux principes consacrés par les chartes canadienne et québécoise des droits de la personne. Dans cet esprit, le FMC-CMF s’oppose aux tentatives visant à discréditer Ruba Ghazal et appelle à un débat public fondé sur l’équité, le respect et les principes démocratiques. En tant que Québécoise engagée dans la vie publique, Mme Ghazal mérite que son intégrité et sa dignité soient respectées. Ses opinions et ses actions peuvent faire l’objet de critiques légitimes, mais les désaccords doivent être exprimés dans le cadre d’un débat raisonné, plutôt que par des campagnes de dénigrement personnel visant à porter atteinte à sa réputation. Le pluralisme politique et le respect des convictions divergentes sont essentiels à une démocratie saine. Ces principes doivent s’appliquer à toutes et à tous, indépendamment de leur affiliation politique ou de leurs opinions. Le FMC-CMF appelle les responsables politiques, les médias et les citoyens à promouvoir un discours public responsable, à rejeter les attaques personnelles et à défendre les droits et libertés fondamentaux qui soutiennent la société démocratique québécoise. Défendons les droits individuels. Respectons la dignité humaine. Faisons vivre les valeurs fondamentales du Québec : la liberté d’expression et le débat démocratique. -30- PRESS RELEASE ;October 22, 2026 FMC-CMF Opposes Efforts to Discredit Ruba Ghazal The Canadian Muslim Forum – Forum musulman canadien (FMC-CMF) reaffirms its commitment to protecting individual rights and freedoms, equality, human dignity, and freedom of expression, in keeping with the principles enshrined in the Canadian and Quebec Charters of Human Rights. In this context, the FMC-CMF opposes efforts to discredit Ruba Ghazal and calls for public debate grounded in fairness, respect, and democratic principles. As a Quebec woman engaged in public life, Ms. Ghazal deserves to have her integrity and dignity respected. Her views and actions may be subject to legitimate criticism, but disagreements should be addressed through reasoned debate rather than personal smear campaigns aimed at undermining her standing. Political pluralism and respect for differing convictions are essential to a healthy democracy. These principles must apply equally to everyone, regardless of political affiliation or viewpoint. The FMC-CMF calls on political leaders, the media, and citizens to promote responsible public discourse, reject personal attacks, and uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms that sustain Quebec’s democratic society. Defend individual rights. Respect human dignity. Uphold Quebec’s fundamental values of freedom of expression and democratic debate. -30-