Philippe Couillard opposes marking mosque shooting with day against Islamophobia

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillardsays he doesn't want to mark the anniversary of the Quebec City mosque shooting with a day against Islamophobia.

Couillardsayshe plans to attend events to commemorate the Jan. 29attack and pay tribute to the community hurt by the tragedy, but he's not in favour of a proposalmade last month by Canada's largest Muslim group.

"We believe that it is better to emphasize collectively our commitment against the phenomenon of racism and discrimination,rather than singling out one of its manifestations," Couillard told reporters Monday, pointing out that Quebec already recognizesan international dayfor theelimination of racialdiscrimination.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims has called onPrime Minister Justin Trudeauto make the anniversary of the shooting aday ofaction against Islamophobia.

The federal government hasn't taken a firm position on the proposal.

TheParti Qubcois and Coalition AvenirQubec, Quebec's two largestopposition parties,have come out against the idea, whileQubecSolidaireis in favour.

Six Muslim men were shot and killed and 19 others were wounded in an attack on the mosque during prayers last Jan. 29.

AlexandreBissonnetteof Quebec City is to stand trial in March on six charges each of first-degree murder and attempted murder.