Proclamation Requesting to Observe January 29 of Every Year as a National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia (SI/2021-17)

Richard Wagner

Administrator of the Government of Canada

[L.S.]

Canada

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

François Daigle

Acting Deputy Attorney General

Great Seal of Canada

TO ALL TO WHOM these presents shall come or whom the same may in any way concern,

GREETING:

A Proclamation

Whereas six persons were killed and 19 persons were injured by a gunman who entered the Islamic Cultural Centre of the City of Québec shortly after the end of evening prayers on January 29, 2017 and opened fire;

Whereas this act of terror devastated the families and friends of the victims, Muslim communities in Quebec, across Canada and around the world, and all Canadians;

Whereas it is important that Canadians have an opportunity to honour the memory of the victims, to recognize those who selflessly and courageously put themselves in harm’s way to protect others and to express solidarity with the survivors of this tragedy;

Whereas Islamophobia, racism, violent extremism, and the denial of these realities are at the root of this horrifying crime;

Whereas it is important that Canadians denounce Islamophobia and all other forms of racism, hate and religious discrimination and take action to combat them;

Whereas it is important that Canadians resolve to build a foundation for change by removing barriers and promoting a more inclusive and equitable country for all, where every person is able to participate and succeed fully and safely;

And whereas, by Order in Council P.C. 2021-276 of April 8, 2021, the Administrator of the Government of Canada in Council directed that a proclamation do issue requesting the people of Canada to observe January 29 of every year as a National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia;

Now Know You that We, by and with the advice of Our Privy Council for Canada, do by this Our Proclamation request that the people of Canada observe January 29 of every year as a National Day of Remembrance of the Québec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia.

Of all which Our loving subjects and all others whom these presents may concern are required to take notice and to govern themselves accordingly.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused this Our Proclamation to be published and the Great Seal of Canada to be affixed to it.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Richard Wagner, Administrator of the Government of Canada.

AT OTTAWA, this fourteenth day of April in the year of Our Lord two thousand and twenty-one and in the seventieth year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,