Premier Philippe Couillard is rejecting a proposal from Canada's largest Muslim group that the anniversary of last year's deadly mosque shooting in Quebec City become an annual day of action against Islamophobia.
He is planning, however, to attend events marking the anniversary of the evening where six Muslim men were killed and 19 others were wounded during prayers on Jan. 29, 2017.
"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 in Lac St. Jean on Monday.
Couillard noted that Quebec already recognizes an international day for the elimination of racial discrimination in March.
The federal government has yet to take a position on the proposal from the National Council of Canadian Muslims, and Montreal mayor Valerie Plante says she's considering how best to honor the shooting victims.