As-Salaam-Alaikum.

Canada stands united this evening.  All levels of government and all political parties together. We are all here to bear witness on this stage to the scene before us, of people who have come out to show our solidarity, all together, as Quebecers, as Canadians. I want to acknowledge the presence of the leaders of all parties in the House of Commons. Rona Ambrose, Thomas Mulcair, Rhéal Fortin, Elizabeth May. I want to acknowledge the presence of the MP for Louis-Hébert, Joël Lightbound, who was in frequent contact with this community and was very familiar with this cultural centre.

We are here this evening to demonstrate that we do not accept this hatred. Last night, the community in Québec experienced something that no community should ever have to go through. An act of unspeakable cruelty and violence committed against people gathered together in fellowship and in faith. 

When we pray, we are expressing our appreciation of something greater than ourselves. It is an act that leads to reflection and inevitably makes us humbler. I urge you to take a moment to reflect on the humility and kindness that were in the hearts of the victims when this tragedy occurred.

Let us remember that we are gathered here this evening to mourn the loss of those whose lives were lost and to offer our support to those who knew and loved them. Let us remember when we speak of this tragedy with our own families—especially if, like Sophie and me, we are going to have some very difficult conversations with our children to explain the inexplicable.  To try.

The six men who were killed, and all the others who were wounded, did not pose a threat. They were ordinary Canadians like all of us. Brothers, uncles, fathers, friends. They did nothing to deserve the violence and hatred unleashed against them. These six victims leave behind them dear families and friends, colleagues and neighbours. Some of you are certainly among them.

I want you to know that you are not alone in your grief and your great sorrow. To all those who knew and loved Mamadou, Abdelkrim, Khaled, Aboubaker, Azzeddine, Ibrahima: we are by your side. We love you and support you. We will always defend and protect your right to gather together and pray. We will do it today and every day. That is our responsibility to those who lost their lives and those who were wounded. And it’s our responsibility to you, the citizens of Québec, and the members of the Muslim community across Canada.

Muslim Canadians have helped to build the communities we call home. They are business owners and job creators. They teach in our schools, they care for us when we are sick. Muslim Canadians are esteemed members of all communities. And wherever they live, they deserve to feel welcome and safe.

They are home here.

Last night this community experienced something that no community should ever have to know.  Unspeakable cruelty and violence perpetrated on those who came together in friendship and in faith. 

We stand with you.  We love you and we support you, and we will always defend and protect your right to gather together and pray today and every day. 

Our responsibility to those who have died and were injured, and our responsibility to you, citizens of Quebec and members of the Muslim community all across Canada, endures.

Muslim Canadians have helped build the communities we call home.  They own businesses and create jobs, they teach in our schools, they care for us when we’re sick.  Muslim Canadians are valued members of every community and wherever they live they deserve to feel welcomed and safe. 

They are home here.

I hope with all my heart that Canadians will respond to last night’s tragedy in a way that pays tribute to the lives lost and embodies the values that unite us all. Let us never forget we are all at our best when we are taking care of one another. We always have more in common with each other than that which divides us. We are all Canadians. May peace unite us.

Thank you.