Poilievre Condemns Vandalism of Barrhaven Mosque Site
MP pledges to work with Muslim community to combat racist attacks
Barrhaven —Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament for Nepean-Carleton, met with members of the South Nepean Muslim Community (SNMC) last week to discuss how best to address the issue of vandalism at the site of their future SNMC Centre and Masjid, located at 3020 Woodroffe Ave.
“I was deeply concerned when I found out about the continuing vandalism that has been occurring at the future SNMC Center and Masjid,” said Poilievre. “As a representative and resident of this community, I want to express my support to the SNMC and thank them for the great work that they continue to do in the area.”
The SNMC’s future home has been a victim to racist graffiti and arson over the past two years. The sign at the building site has been vandalized four times, and even the rented facility the SNMC is using temporarily has been targeted several times.
“These incidents were reported to the police, however we have not been apprised of the results of the investigation,” said Dr Emdad Khan, President of the SNMC. “As we have started the construction of the building, we have a growing concern over the safety of the building site, and the investments that we are putting into it.”
To address this issue, the SNMC will need to install security equipment to prevent further damage to the site and to protect the people working on it. To assist with this, Poilievre is encouraging the SNMC to apply for a grant through the federal Security Infrastructure Program. This program was created last year to help communities at risk fund improvements to their security infrastructure, protecting them from future threats.
The SNMC is a community and family based charitable organization serving more than 8,000 Muslims in the South Nepean area. They have played a major role in many community events, contributing to the Barrhaven Canada Day festivities and assisting the Barrhaven Food Cupboard meet its increasing demand for non-perishable goods.
Photo attached: MP Poilievre with members of the South Nepean Muslim Community (SNMC) at the construction site of their future SNMC Centre and Masjid.