Muslims & Islamophobia

Priorities include holding open awareness sessions where families can share their lived experiences and share their needs, providing community-informed training to Ottawa Police Services on Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and profiling on a regular basis, and encouraging the recruitment of more Muslim police officers.

As Mayor, I am committed to continued close engagement with mosques, Islamic schools, and Muslim organizations, connecting them with emergency services, sharing accessible preparedness information, and supporting emergency planning so they are well informed and prepared when a disaster or emergency occurs.

I will use the mayor’s platform, including social media, to celebrate cultural traditions – including Muslim ones, to educate the public, and challenge harmful stereotypes. I will raise the Palestinian flag on the national holiday as we do with other nations. Finally, I will take a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination.

As part of my platform, I’ve committed to hold regular town halls where citizens can hold me publicly accountable for my promises. I will ensure these town halls regularly occur in mosques and other Muslim community spaces.

I am committing to significantly increasing the social service funding we provide to community groups who provide essential services such as settlement support, youth programming and food assistance. Using the Rideau Hub model, I will roll out other social hubs across the city to help ensure vulnerable residents have supports close to home.

I will make it easier for mosques and other religious institutions to navigate city planning by providing clear guidance, connecting them with existing planning staff, and encouraging early discussions about their needs.

I believe homelessness is Ottawa’s greatest challenge. As mayor, I will work to develop tiny-home communities with wraparound services, drawing on the approach in Gatineau. These communities would offer a safe place to live alongside mental health care, addiction support, and help securing permanent housing.