TORONTO – Leaders of Canadian Muslim associations are calling on all three levels of government to take steps to counter Islamophobia and systemic racism.

The calls by the Muslim coalition, led by the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), came in an open letter on Wednesday, February 8, at a Parliament Hill news conference.

The open letter, endorsed by dozens of Canadian Muslim institutions and organizations across the country, as well as by community allies, says in part:

“How do we move on from this heartbreaking event and ensure that we learn lessons from this tragedy? How can we work harder to stamp out hate – against anyone, for any reason – in our communities?

“We, representatives from Canadian Muslim organizations and communities, call on municipal, provincial, and federal governments to work together and to take immediate steps to support efforts to combat Islamophobia and hatred in our communities.”

The calls followed an attack by a shooter who opened fire in a Quebec City mosque and killed six people.

Ihsaan Gardee of the National Council of Canadian Muslims says the Muslim community felt embraced by the outpouring of support in the wake of the shooting.

He said the question now is how to move forward and ensure lessons are learned from the tragedy.

Gardee said he hopes the recommendations will produce concrete action that will help stamp out hate.