Mayor mourns loss of four members of a Muslim family

By Dennis Gibbons

June 12^th, 2021

BURLINGTON, ON

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward says she and members of city council are committed to bringing an end to hatred of Muslims.

On the left MP Karina Gould with Mayor Marianne Meed Ward.

Speaking at a Call to Prayer Service in Spencer Smith Park on Friday, the mayor joined about 200 people in mourning the loss of four members of a Muslim family tragically killed in London.

“City council and I as your mayor stand with you in ending Islamophobia,” she said.

“We mourn with you the loss of this beautiful family, leaving a nine-year-old boy alone.”

The mayor said the city of Burlington and its council promotes diversity and inclusion.  “We want everyone to be welcome and respected,” she said.

Meed Ward said everyone needs to speak out anytime they hear a word of unkindness or hatred spoken.

Imam Abdullah Hatia and Imam Junaid Hanslod of the Halton Mosque led the prayers.

Burlington MP Karina Gould, the minister of international affairs, also pledged to keep working to stamp out racism.  “I never want any of you to experience what we are experiencing right now,” Gould said.