Montreal Liberal candidate says campaign volunteers targeted with Islamophobic slurs

Sameer Zuberi, the Liberal candidate seeking re-election in Pierrefonds—Dollard in Montreal’s West Island, recently revealed that two of his campaign volunteers were subjected to Islamophobic slurs while putting up posters in the riding. Zuberi shared in an interview with CBC that a mother and her teenage daughter were targeted by a man who drove up to them and began shouting derogatory remarks.

The incident took place on a Monday evening when the man, initially appearing supportive, rolled down his car window and proceeded to hurl Islamophobic slurs and threats at the volunteers. Zuberi expressed his dismay over the situation, highlighting that the mother and daughter were visibly shaken by the encounter and promptly filed a police report at his insistence. While Montreal police have yet to confirm an investigation, Zuberi firmly believes that the volunteers were singled out due to their association with his campaign and his Muslim background.

This unfortunate incident is not the first instance of Zuberi facing such targeted attacks during the campaign period. Earlier this year, several of his campaign posters were defaced with racist slurs, further emphasizing the prevalence of discriminatory behavior. Despite initial hesitation, Zuberi decided to address the recent incident on social media, denouncing the normalization of hate and discrimination in Canadian society.

The Canadian Muslim Forum also condemned the incident, echoing Zuberi’s sentiments on the concerning rise of Islamophobia and intolerance. Zuberi raised concerns about the role of social media in perpetuating hateful speech, citing the numerous derogatory responses to his post on the platform. He emphasized the importance of fostering constructive dialogues while establishing boundaries on acceptable discourse.

In a show of solidarity, NDP candidate Craig Sauvé expressed his support for Zuberi and his team, condemning racist attacks and affirming that Islamophobia has no place in Canada. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against bigotry and discrimination in political spheres. As Zuberi continues his campaign, he remains committed to advocating for inclusivity and combating hateful rhetoric in the public discourse.