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LETTER: Motion M-103 being debated in the House of Commons

Motion M-103 has started an important and courageous conversation focused on standing up against racism and religious discrimination in all of its forms. I am proud of my colleagues and the Prime Minister for their leadership on this issue.
Patty Hajdu
Patty Hajdu (Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com).

Motion M-103 has started an important and courageous conversation focused on standing up against racism and religious discrimination in all of its forms.

I am proud of my colleagues and the Prime Minister for their leadership on this issue. Words matter, and we must all remain vigilant when it comes to the use of racist or discriminatory language, as well as when it comes to protecting our rights and freedoms as Canadians.

I recognize that Islamophobia is not the only form of religious intolerance facing Canadians – many marginalized and minority communities continue to face discrimination, and I strongly believe we all have a responsibility to confront this wherever and whenever it occurs.

There is some misinformation circulating about this motion, and I want to respond directly to some of these inaccuracies:

M-103 will not stifle free speech. Canadians will continue to be free to discuss, question and critique all religions, including Islam.

M-103 is not a bill - it is a motion - meaning it is not legally binding. Therefore, it will not create any new laws, nor will it expand or change the criminal code in any way.

M-103 is not unique in seeking to address systemic racism and religious discrimination. At previous points in history, the House of Commons has adopted similar motions regarding discrimination against other groups, including another motion addressing Islamophobia, which was unanimously supported by all parties in November 2016.

M-103 was not created in response to the tragic killings in Quebec City—though that incident provides evidence of the need for such a motion. M-103 was tabled in December 1, 2016 after E-petition 411 was given all-party support.

It also asks the House of Commons to study how the government could reduce or eliminate systemic racism and religious discrimination; and collect data to contextualize hate crime reports and to conduct needs assessments for impacted communities.

Racism and religious discrimination in all of its forms has no place in Canadian society. We still have much work to do to further strengthen our communities and our nation, and supporting motion M-103 is a part of that work.

The people of Thunder Bay continue to be supportive, compassionate and welcoming to people seeking refuge, and I will keep working to ensure that Canada is safe and accepting for all who live here.

 





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