November 28th, 2016

Horwath honoured as ‘Diversity and Inclusion Hero’ by Anatolia Islamic Centre

On Saturday, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath was honoured by the Anatolia Islamic Centre for her and her party’s work in establishing Islamic Heritage Month in Ontario.

“I am incredibly humbled to be presented with this award,” said Horwath.  “Establishing October as Islamic Heritage Month in Ontario was an important opportunity to celebrate Islamic culture and to reaffirm that our province’s diversity is something to celebrate.”

NDP MPP Teresa Armstrong put forward Bill 23 – the Islamic Heritage Month Act – in early October and rallied support from both Liberal and Conservative Members to ensure its speedy passage through the Legislature.  For the first time ever in Ontario, this October was officially marked as Islamic Heritage Month. 

“The NDP is proud to stand with the Muslim community in making this happen. As we see an increase in islamophobic incidents both in Ontario and across the country, it's now more important than ever before to acknowledge and to celebrate the contributions of Muslims in Ontario,” finished Horwath.

The Anatolia Islamic Centre was established in 1998 and is very active in providing community services to both Muslim and non-Muslim families in the Mississauga area.  Horwath was honoured with the Diversity and Inclusion Hero Award at the organization’s ‘Motivation Conference” this past Saturday.