January 28th, 2022

London NDP MPPs thank school board for endorsing the Our London Family Act

LONDON – London NDP MPPs Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre), Peggy Sattler (London West) and Teresa Armstrong (London-Fanshawe) are sharing their thanks with the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) for expressing their support for the Our London Family Act in a letter from the board sent Thursday. The Our London Family Act is an Anti-Islamophobia bill written by the NDP in partnership with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM).

“The Muslim community have been clear that words are not enough,” said Sattler. “We need to take action against the rise of Islamophobic hate across the province, and the Our London Family Act is a important step forward. We are pleased to see the TVDSB endorse the actions in the bill.”

TVDSB trustees passed a motion at their last meeting calling on the provincial government to pass the Our London Family Act. If passed, the bill will give Ontario schools new tools to help young people understand and combat Islamophobia.

“Muslims in London and across Ontario should not have to fear for their safety because of what faith they belong to,” said Armstrong. “We’re grateful to the trustees for speaking out on this issue.”

“We appreciate the support of our local trustees in bringing this forward,” said Kernaghan. “We must make sure young people are growing up with educational resources that help them understand and reject Islamophobia.”

The Our London Family Act, will be tabled by the NDP when the legislature resumes in February.