The Consultative Table of the Muslim Community of Quebec (CTMCQ) Presents Key Concerns to Political Candidates Ahead of Federal Elections
As the federal elections approach, the Consultative Table of the Muslim Community of Quebec (CTMCQ) has outlined several important issues for political candidates across all parties to consider. These concerns address the fight against Islamophobia, and anti-Muslim sentiment and discrimination, as well as promoting socio-economic integration, defending civil rights, and addressing key foreign policy matters.
A representative from the advisory table clarified that the document outlining these concerns is intended solely for consultation purposes and is not meant to guide voting decisions. Voters are encouraged to make their own choices based on their personal convictions.
Key Concerns Highlighted:
Fighting Islamophobia and Discrimination
- A clear, actionable plan to combat the rise of hate crimes, harassment, and violence targeting Canadian Muslims.
- Ensuring sustained resources to combat Islamophobia, anti-Arab, anti-Palestinian discrimination, and other forms of hate across Canada.
- Creating a safe environment for all communities, particularly Muslims Canadians and other communities, who have been among the most targeted groups in Canada.
Socio-Economic Integration
- Promoting equal access to employment for the Muslim community by implementing clear policies to combat systemic discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.
- Federal intervention in the judicial review of Quebec’s Bill 21 focuses on combating stigmatization and exclusion by ensuring equal treatment for all Canadians and residents, regardless of background. It highlights the need to lift restrictions on wearing religious symbols in the workplace, as these limitations infringe on personal rights and dignity. The bill’s impact particularly harms girls and women, perpetuating discrimination against them.
- Encouraging greater civic engagement and political participation.
- Defending the rights of women and girls, regardless of their background.
Youth well-being
- Developing socio-economic inclusion programs to address youth marginalization.
Participation and Representation
- Increasing the representation of Muslim and Arab communities within government institutions by ensuring qualified community members have equal access to job opportunities on par with their fellow citizens.
Foreign Policy Concerns
- Advocating for the official recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state by Canada.-
- Calling for a Canadian foreign policy rooted in human rights, with strong condemnation of the injustices faced by the Palestinian people.
- Supporting the implementation of UN resolutions concerning illegal settlements in the West Bank.
- Increasing humanitarian and reconstruction aid for Palestine, particularly for rebuilding Gaza and continuing support for UNRWA.
- Maintaining support for international bodies working to address the suffering and oppression of Uyghur Muslims.
The CTMCQ urges all candidates to consider these concerns as they campaign in the lead-up to the federal elections. The advisory table emphasizes that this list is provided solely for consultation purposes and is not intended to influence voting behavior.