October is Islamic Heritage Month here in Ontario, and that was made possible by the member from London–Fanshawe, who graciously invited members from other parties to sign onto her bill. It was unanimously passed in this Legislature. What it’s done is it’s created a time for Muslims across Ontario so they can celebrate and share their history and culture with all Ontarians.

The five pillars of Islam are: shahda, faith; salah, prayer; saka, almsgiving; salm, fasting; and the hajj, pilgrimage.

During my first three elections, the holy month of Ramadan fell, and so I’ve been to a lot of iftars and a lot of breaking of fasts. What it taught me, what I learned was the openness and welcoming of Muslim communities in my riding. And it’s not just in my riding; it’s across Ontario.

So I’d like to say in particular a word of thanks to these communities in my riding: the AMA community, or the Mosque of Mercy; the Assalam Mosque; the Ali Masjid mosque; and also the Ismaili community centre on Conroy Road. Thank you for all that you’ve done to build community in Ottawa South by opening your doors and welcoming people and supporting us during COVID and many other things that have come along.

I’m looking forward this weekend to Celebrating Muslim Women in the Arts and Sciences this Sunday afternoon at the AMA mosque.