Quebec doesn't have a problem with Islamophobia, Premier Legault says

PremierFranois Legaultsays there's no need for a day devoted to action againstIslamophobia because Islamophobia isn't a problem in the province.

Legaultmade the commentstwo days after the second anniversary of the Quebec City mosque attack, when the deputy premier,Genevive Guilbault, said the government would look into the idea.

"We looked at it. There won't be one. It's clear,"Legaulttold reporters Thursday at a caucus meeting inGatineau.

"I don't think there isIslamophobiain Quebec, so I don't see why there would be a day dedicated to Islamophobia."

Later, Legault's team clarified his answer, saying there have been incidents in the past, but the problem is not widespread.

The Coalition Avenir Qubecgovernment says it does not want to give the impression that Islamophobiais systemic in Quebec.

Six Muslim men were shot and killed and fivemore were seriously injured in the attack on the mosque during prayers onJan. 29, 2017.

The idea of making the anniversary a day against Islamophobia has been put forwardby Muslim groups, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims.

The organization's executive director,Ihsaan Gardee, has said such a designation would help enhance public education about hate, bigotry and anti-Muslim rhetoric.

'Unbelievable and deeply hurtful'

Gardee said he was shocked by Legault'scomments, and pointed out that up to two-thirds of hate crimes go unreported.

"So what we know is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg," he said. "And for the premier to say make this kind of a statement is just unbelievable and deeply hurtful."

StatisticsCanada reported last November that the number of hate crimes reported to the police rose sharply in the country in 2017, with incidents targeting blacks, Jews and Muslims causing most of this increase.

Montreal-area Imam Hassan Guillettold CBC Montreal'sDaybreakthat he was saddened, but not surprised byLegault'sassertion that there is noIslamophobiain the province.

"It's voluntary blindness," he said. "Islamophobiaexists. It doesn't mean that Quebec is Islamophobic. It doesn't mean that Quebecers in general are Islamophobic. But it exists. It is very dangerous."

Two years ago, Guilletgave a speech at the funeral for threevictims of themosque shooting that went viral. In the speech, hedenouncedthe "poisoned words" he said permeate the political and social discourse about Muslims in Quebec.

He saidCanadians aremaking theirown effortstocounterIslamophobia, even without anofficialday of commemoration.

"People are gathering, are recognizing the dangers of Islamophobia and are working on it," he said. "Sooner or later the governments will have to follow. The federal as well as the provincial."