Marking the National Day of Action Against Islamophobia – January 29

Toronto – January 23, 2026 – January 29 stands as a day of national reflection, marking one of the most devastating acts of hate in Canada’s recent history. In 2017, a violent attack at a Quebec City mosque took the lives of six Muslim men who were deeply loved and respected within their community: Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane, and Aboubaker Thabti. Nine years later, Canadians continue to honour their memory and confront the hatred that led to their deaths.

This year marks the ninth anniversary of the Quebec City mosque attack and the fifth National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia. It is a moment not only to remember those lost, but to reflect on the ongoing realities faced by Muslim communities across the country. Despite increased awareness, Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism persist in many forms demanding continued action and accountability.

A Senate report released in 2023 underscored the urgent need to address the growing presence of Islamophobia and hate in Canada. Its findings reinforce what many communities have long known: meaningful change requires sustained commitment to confronting discrimination, challenging harmful narratives, and ensuring the safety and dignity of all people.

Ways You Can Take Action

Islamophobia-Motivated Incident Reporting Tool (IMIRT)

A coalition of Muslim organizations in Canada, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, has launched the Islamophobia-Motivated Incident Reporting Tool (IMIRT). This tool helps individuals report Islamophobic incidents, bridging the gap between underreported hate crimes and official statistics.
Learn more at IMIRT.ca.

Wear a Green Square

The Green Square Campaign, an initiative by NCCM, encourages Canadians to wear a patch of green fabric leading up to January 29 each year. The green square symbolizes the carpets of the Quebec City mosque, where the victims last stood in prayer. This simple act of solidarity honours their lives and raises awareness about the ongoing fight against Islamophobia.

Anti-Islamophobia Resources

On this day of remembrance, explore UFCW Canada’s anti-Islamophobia resources, created in partnership with NCCM. These tools are designed to build understanding, challenge discrimination, and help create safer, more inclusive workplaces for Muslim workers.

Let us continue to support the organizations and initiatives working toward a more just and inclusive Canada. On this day—and every day—let us reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity with Muslim communities across the country.