Montreal, January 17^th, 2019 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) applauds the New Democrat Party of Canada’s (NDP) support for the January 29^th campaign (http://january29.ca) against Islamophobia in Canada. The campaign, initiated by CJPME and the Canadian Muslim Forum (FMC-CMF), calls on the government to designate January 29^th – the anniversary of the Quebec City Mosque Massacre – as a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia and other forms of religious discrimination, as per recommendation #30 of the M-103 report from Parliament's Heritage Committee.

Yesterday, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh sent out an email in support of the January 29th campaign, reminding Canadians that we all need to “learn from the heartbreak in Quebec City on January 29^th—to push back against hatred in our society and make sure the loss of innocent lives never happens again.” CJPME President Thomas Woodley commented, “I am thrilled that the NDP recognizes the importance and urgency attached to this campaign. Islamophobia is a grave problem in Canada that must be addressed by our political representatives in order to prevent similar acts of hatred or discrimination.”

CJPME points out that as a result of the January 29^th campaign (http://january29.ca), Singh has already received nearly 4,000 emails from Canadians across the country urging immediate action against Islamophobia. CJPME is pleased that the NDP has taken the time to listen to valid Canadian concerns and has responded with a principled stand in support of Canadian Muslims. CJPME calls on all Canadian political parties to support the call to designate January 29^th as a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia and other forms of religious discrimination in Canada.

CJPME and the FMC-CMF launched the January 29^th campaign in October 2018. Thus far, over 150 Canadian organizations and academics have formally endorsed the campaign. Canadian individuals are also encouraged to add their voice to the campaign online, where they can sign a petition while sending an email and postcard to their Member of Parliament.

About CJPME – Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is a non-profit and secular organization bringing together men and women of all backgrounds who labour to see justice and peace take root again in the Middle East. Its mission is to empower decision-makers to view all sides with fairness and to promote the equitable and sustainable development of the region.

For more information, please contact Miranda Gallo, 438-380-5410
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East www.cjpme.org

The whole or parts of this press release can be reproduced without permission.

– 30 –