Montreal, September 25, 2026 — The Canadian Muslim Forum (FMC-CMF) is expressing deep concern regarding a number of statements made by Fatima Aboubakr, a Parti Québécois candidate, during a YouTube interview with Gabe Masson, premiered on October 22, 2025, concerning Quebecers of Muslim faith and broader questions surrounding faith, secularism and public life.
FMC-CMF fully recognizes Ms. Aboubakr’s right to express her views and participate in democratic debate. However, public debate also carries a responsibility to avoid broad characterizations that risk associating entire segments of Quebec society with predetermined concepts, ideologies or political movements.
FMC-CMF is particularly concerned about the increasingly broad use of the term “Islamism” in public discourse. The term should not become a catch-all expression applied to Quebecers simply because they practice their faith visibly, express their faith beliefs, advocate for their rights and freedoms, participate in community organizations, or support an inclusive understanding of secularism.
Quebecers of Muslim faith, like all Quebecers, have the right to practice their faith, express their views peacefully, participate in community life and take part fully in democratic and civic life.
FMC-CMF is also concerned by allegations or insinuations concerning the alleged affiliation of Quebecers of Muslim faith or community organizations with foreign groups or interests. Allegations of foreign affiliation, influence or infiltration are serious matters and should be supported by specific, clear and verifiable evidence. They should not be used to discredit individuals or organizations simply because they are Muslim, active in community advocacy or hold different views on secularism.
FMC-CMF is also struck by the apparent emphasis on faith, secularism and the identity of Quebecers of Muslim faith in the interview, while major concerns affecting all Quebecers received little or no attention.
Quebecers are facing pressing challenges concerning affordability and the cost of living, health care, education, housing, employment and the economy. These issues deserve meaningful attention in any political discussion about Quebec’s future. Questions surrounding faith and secularism are legitimate subjects of democratic debate, but they should not overshadow the everyday concerns shared by Quebecers of all backgrounds.
Quebecers of Muslim faith are not a separate category outside these concerns. They are workers, entrepreneurs, students, parents, health care professionals, educators and seniors who share the same concerns about affordability, health care, education, housing and economic opportunity as their fellow Quebecers.
FMC-CMF is equally concerned when Muslim women and girls in Quebec are invoked as political or ideological symbols in broader debates about faith, secularism and gender equality.
There is a legitimate place for debate about gender equality and Quebec’s secular model. However, Muslim women and girls in Quebec should not be reduced to symbols. Their individual circumstances, voices, choices and dignity must remain at the center of any discussion concerning their rights and lives.
As Ms. Aboubakr seeks elected office, FMC-CMF believes that greater clarity and responsibility are warranted when discussing the hundreds of thousands of Quebecers of Muslim faith who practice their faith in diverse ways.
FMC-CMF therefore calls on the Parti Québécois to clarify its expectations regarding public discourse, equal citizenship, freedom of expression and the treatment of Quebecers of Muslim faith in political debate.
Quebecers should be able to debate local and international issues openly and vigorously. At the same time, ordinary citizens should not be treated as suspects because of their faith, and serious allegations should not be made without clear evidence.
FMC-CMF will continue to defend the rights and freedoms of every Quebecer and Canadian under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms of Quebec, including freedom of faith, freedom of expression, freedom of association and the right to participate fully in democratic life.
FMC-CMF calls for a political debate based on facts, evidence, individual rights, democratic principles and respect for the equal citizenship and dignity of all Quebecers.
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Pour une immigration basée sur les valeurs | Fatima Aboubakr X Gabe Masson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al68DWNGR24
Photo source 24heures