Two youth organizations in Montreal hold rally on the West Island to denounce racism
A pair of youth organizations on Montreal's West Island spearheaded a rally Saturday to denounce racism in light of the attack in London, Ontario that left four people from a Muslim family dead in what police are calling a hate crime.
"Everyone is invited to come down and stand up in support of denouncing racism," reads a release from organizers Youth Stars and Overture with the Arts. "The goal of this rally is to promote unity, inclusivity, diversity and equity amongst all cultures, including marginalized and BIPOC communities."
The funeral for Talat Afzaal, 74, her son Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, and their 15-year-old daughter Yumnah Salman was held Saturday.
The four were killed last Saturday while out for a walk when a man in a truck drove them down in what police are calling a premeditated attack based on the fact that they were Muslim.
Saturday's event at Pierrefonds Community High School is the second event on the Island of Montreal in two days denouncing the attack and other forms of racism with a vigil held Friday night, in addition to one in Quebec City.
The event is also meant to draw attention to recent increases in anti-Asian and anti-Black racism.
"It is also important to note that this is not a protest or a march - rather, it is a peaceful rally meant to bring the community together with a common goal of equity for all," the release reads.
The Youth Stars Foundation is a non-profit youth organization that uses arts, sports, dance and music to motivate young people.
Overture with the Arts is a non-profit music, dance, drama and vocal training organization.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.