United Way urges support for Our London Family Act

At United Way Elgin Middlesex, we condemn racism and Islamophobia as it is unjust and wrong. As community builders, we work alongside partners, including government, to ensure that Elgin Middlesex becomes a truly equitable, safe and inclusive place. 

The murder of the Afzaal family and the ongoing hate-motivated attacks occurring across our province are an assault on our collective aspirations to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community here in London and region. These acts of violence show we still have significant work to do to root out hate before it causes more harm. 

Hate, racism and Islamophobia must be addressed by all political parties in Ontario. All of us have a part to play in moving beyond “thoughts and prayers” and we urge all parties to come together to act swiftly on this call to action by ensuring the proposed legislative changes are implemented in a timely manner. 
 
Together, we continue to grieve for Our London Family and together we must unite in meaningful action to condemn Islamophobia, white supremacy, racism and hate in all its forms. Passing the Our London Family Act is an important first step.

Letter to regional MPPs

Dear MPP Armstrong, MPP Kernaghan, MPP McNaughton, MPP Satlerand, MPP Yurek:

On behalf of United Way Elgin Middlesex, I urge you and your party to support the introduction and passage of the Our London Family Act as proposed by the National Council of Canadian Muslims recently.

In response to the horrific violence on a Muslim family in London, Ontario, in June 2021, the proposed legislation addresses Islamophobia and the systemic discrimination and racism experienced by Muslim Ontarians in six key areas:

• Changes to the Ontario education system to ensure children and youth learn about and understand Islamophobia
• Changes to the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act to prevent white supremacist groups in the province by from registering as societies; and new legislation to prevent acts of intimidation on provincial property, as well as prevent intimidation tactics targeting worshippers at mosques and other religious institutions
• Development of a provincial hate crimes accountability unit to improve reporting of hate crimes, including third-party reporting and provide guidance on appropriate penalties for police officers or officers who discourage reporting of hate crimes
• Amendments to the Anti-Racism Act including developing provincial anti-racism councils, conducting regular surveys to understand trends and changes in attitudes regarding Islamophobia and racism and ensuring frontline staff at social services agencies participate in regular training on anti-racism and anti-Islamophobia
• Increase hiring and appointments of equity-seeking Ontarians to provincial agencies, boards and commissions and with the Ontario Public Service
• Increase the limitation period to five years for those wishing to report an incident of racism or Islamophobia through the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

Hate, racism and Islamophobia must be addressed by all political parties in Ontario. All of us have a part to play in moving beyond “thoughts and prayers” and as such we urge you and your colleagues to act swiftly on this call to action by ensuring the proposed legislative changes are implemented in a timely manner.

Together we continue to grieve for Our London Family and together we must unite in condemning Islamophobia,white supremacy, racism and hate in all its forms through meaningful action.

Sincerely,

Kelly Ziegner
President & Chief Executive Officer

cc: Mustafa Farooq, CEO, National Council of Canadian Muslims
Bilal Rahhal, Chair, London Muslim Mosque
Aarij Anwer, Director, Religious Affairs, London Muslim Mosque
Nawaz Tahir, Muslim Community Leader