Canadian Muslim group in Alberta launches Islamophobia hotline

 Islamophobic incident to call s 1-800 number and leave a message describing it

The Alberta Muslim Public Affairs Council (AMPAC) is encouraging people who experience an Islamophobic incident to call s 1-800 number and leave a message describing it so staff from the council can follow up.

The Council’s President Faisal Suri said with many new Muslim immigrants arriving in the country and a few isolated incidents they want to make sure people have somewhere to reach out.

Suri said staff are going to assess the calls and decide if they should be forwarded to police to investigate. He said Edmonton Police have always been supportive, but some hate crimes directed against Muslims are likely not being addressed.

Mohyuddin Mirza, a spokesperson for the Muslim community, said they combat Islamophobia in their own way, by being open so people can see negative stereotypes about Muslims are inaccurate.