Today we mark the painful anniversary of the tragic death of three generations of a Muslim Canadian family in London, Ontario.
One year ago, on June 6, 2021, five members of the Afzaal family were hewn down: four were killed and another seriously injured. The Afzaals were very active in the Muslim community in London.
These tragic incidents are disturbing and remind us that hatred and discrimination based on religion, race and many other human rights grounds persist in Ontario and across Canada. It is critical that each of us use every tool at our disposal to build communities – to realize the vision of Ontario’s Human Rights Code, and create "a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person.” Everyone deserves to feel a part of the community we live in and be able to contribute fully to the development and well-being of the community and the province.
The Ontario Human Rights Commission remains committed to working with communities across Ontario and identifying and addressing all forms of systemic discrimination – including acts of hate.
Today, I call on every Ontarian to work together to build a province that is safe for everyone.
Patricia DeGuire
Chief Commissioner