Statement from NDP Leader Andrea Horwath on terrorist attacks targeting mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand

Andrea Horwath, Leader of Ontario's Official Opposition, issued the following statement in response to news of terrorist shootings targeting mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand:

“Everyone has the right to practice their faith and worship in peace, without fear. For Muslim worshippers in Christchurch, that peace was destroyed by cowards armed with guns, explosive devices and hatred. In the wake of this vile act of Islamophobic terrorism, our hearts are in New Zealand with the victims, their families and their communities.

It is the job of all of us as individuals, communities and elected officials to take a stand against the rising tide of Islamophobia and hate. We need to work together – people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds – to name Islamophobia when we see it, name hate crimes and acts of terrorism when they happen, and to live and work for peace.

As Muslims in Ontario and around the world process this unspeakable horror and grieve these losses, we stand with them, offer our support and renew our commitment to join them in the fight to eradicate Islamophobia and xenophobia from our communities and our world.”