The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) grieves the terrible attack on the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City last night. We mourn the loss of six innocent lives and the wounding of eighteen more. Equally, we must not overlook the devastation wrought upon so many families, and upon an entire community. An attack on the Islamic community is an attack on all Canadians. On behalf of our co-chairs, the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul, our Board of Directors and our staff, we extend our deepest condolences.

The ICC works with the full understanding that Canadians are not immune from the ills of hatred and bigotry. A sense of belonging and building an inclusive society will always be challenges, and demand the best of citizens and their leaders. Only through the engagement of all of us as citizens can we accomplish this. We stand with Premier Couillard’s message to the Islamic community — “We’re with you. You are home, you are welcome in your home. We’re all Québécois” — and know that Canadians across the country share in this conviction.