"On this Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking of the Fast), which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, I would like to wish everyone a safe and peaceful day," says Mr. Robert Philp, Chief of the Commission and Tribunals, Alberta Human Rights Commission.
"There has been an increase in hate crimes against Muslims in the last three years, including incidents of hate, prejudice and religious intolerance against Muslims in Alberta, such as Islamophobic graffiti in Calgary and Fort Saskatchewan and damage to a mosque in Cold Lake.
"Islamophobia or any kind of religious intolerance is not acceptable. Everyone should be able to participate in and contribute to the cultural, social, economic and political life of the province freely without discrimination.
"Alberta's human rights legislation, the Alberta Human Rights Act, protects against discrimination based on 15 grounds, including race, religious beliefs, ancestry and place of origin.
“The Commission supports a number of projects that address Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination directed at ethno-cultural and religious minorities. One of these projects being completed by immigrant- and refugee-serving agencies will develop educational tools and resources to prevent discrimination directed toward immigrant and refugee populations.
"We must remain committed to protecting our fundamental human rights and creating a society where all people are equal in dignity, rights and responsibilities."