October 25, 2007 , Ottawa

Canada's federal parliament today officially declared October as Islamic History Month in Canada.

Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier and Official Opposition Critic for Canadian Heritage, Francophonie and Official Languages, Hon. Mauril Bélanger, presented the following motion today in the House of Commons:

"That, in the opinion of the House, due to the important contributions of Canadian Muslims to Canadian Society; the cultural diversity of the Canadian Muslim community; the importance of Canadians learning about each other to foster greater social cohesion; and the important effort now underway in many Canadian communities in organizing public activities to achieve better understanding of Islamic history, the month of October should be designated Canadian Islamic History Month."

The Ottawa-Vanier MP was delighted that the House of Commons adopted this motion which highlights the important contribution of the Muslim community in Canadian society. "I encourage cultural exchanges between Canada's diverse communities, which make us a vibrant and dynamic society. I believe that by having a better understanding of our fellow Canadians from various communities and backgrounds that we will achieve a stronger and more cohesive country", said MP Bélanger.

"October 2007 is the inaugural celebration of Islamic History Month Canada. IHMC has been a long dreamed-of intercultural and educational project of Canadian Muslims. We are thrilled at how positively Canadians are responding to our IHMC activities and programs," said today's CIC statement.

To date, several Canadian cities have proclaimed October as Islamic History Month in their civic jurisdictions - including Victoria BC, Kingston ON, Ottawa ON, Calgary AB and Burnaby and Port Coquitlam BC - with others planning to follow their example.

Bélanger wrote:

House of Commons / Chambre des communes
Ottawa, Canada

BÉLANGER RÉJOUIT DE L'ADOPTION DE SA MOTION RECONNAISSANT LE MOIS CANADIEN DE L'HISTOIRE ISLAMIQUE

Ottawa, le 25 octobre 2007 - Le député fédéral d'Ottawa-Vanier et Porte-parole de l'Opposition officielle pour le Patrimoine canadien, la Francophonie et les langues officielles, l'honorable Mauril Bélanger, a présenté aujourd'hui en Chambre la motion suivante :

"Que, de l'avis de la Chambre, en raison de la contribution importante des musulmans canadiens à la société canadienne, de la diversité culturelle de la communauté musulmane canadienne, de l'importance pour les canadiens d'en apprendre davantage sur les autres en vue d'encourager une plus grande cohésion sociale et des efforts importants d'organisation d'activités publiques, en cours au sein de plusieurs communautés canadiennes, visant une meilleure compréhension de l'histoire Islamique, le mois d'octobre devrait être désigné mois canadien de l'histoire Islamique."

Le député d'Ottawa-Vanier se réjouit de l'adoption de cette motion qui souligne l'importante contribution de la communauté musulmane dans la société canadienne. « J'encourage l'échange culturel entre les différentes communautés du Canada qui font de nous une société dynamique. Je crois qu'en ayant une meilleure compréhension de nos compatriotes de différentes communautés et origines que nous devenons un pays plus fort et cohésif », de dire le député Bélanger.

Bureau de Mauril Bélanger, C.P., député
Ottawa-Vanier

-English follows-

House of Commons / Chambre des communes
Ottawa, Canada

BÉLANGER IS DELIGHTED WITH THE ADOPTION OF HIS MOTION RECOGNIZING ISLAMIC HISTORY MONTH

Ottawa, October 25th 2007 - Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier and Official Opposition Critic for Canadian Heritage, Francophonie and Official Languages, Hon. Mauril Bélanger, presented the following motion today in the House of Commons:

"That, in the opinion of the House, due to the important contributions of Canadian Muslims to Canadian Society; the cultural diversity of the Canadian Muslim community; the importance of Canadians learning about each other to foster greater social cohesion; and the important effort now underway in many Canadian communities in organizing public activities to achieve better understanding of Islamic history, the month of October should be designated Canadian Islamic History Month."

The Ottawa-Vanier MP was delighted that the House of Commons adopted this motion which highlights the important contribution of the Muslim community in Canadian society. "I encourage cultural exchanges between Canada's diverse communities, which make us a vibrant and dynamic society. I believe that by having a better understanding of our fellow Canadians from various communities and backgrounds that we will achieve a stronger and more cohesive country", said MP Bélanger.

For more information:
Office of the Honourable Mauril Bélanger, P.C., M.P.
Ottawa-Vanier