Farida Mohamed, the President of CCMW Montreal chapter, was one of the speakers at the Union United Church on Nelson Mandela Day
. The church was founded in 1907 by a group of Black railway porters and their wives who wished to worship in their own church with dignity and equality of participation, regardless of gender, one’s ethnic origin or faith.
The event marked the launch of a petition to be handed in to the mayor of Montreal to start an inquiry against systemic racism and discrimination. There were speakers from many organizations, including the Fédération des Femmes du Quebec (FFQ) and university student unions. Also present were councillors from some Montreal municipalities.
Farida talked about discrimination against Jews, Blacks and Muslims culminating with the latest Bill 62, which targets a minority within a minority. She also mentioned how the police force of Montreal refuses to recognize and denounce hate crimes. She asked that the mayor, Valérie Plante, puts her words into action and get the police force to change their hiring practices and to reflect the ethnic diversity of Montreal. She also stressed the need for those who work in the public sector to be culturally sensitive and she asked that this education, that is presently underway, continue until the goal is achieved.
She asked that Quebec should revise its policies of discrimination against foreign certifications. For example, qualified teachers from Africa, including the Magreb, have to complete three years of university when they get here, which puts this category of people within the poverty range since they cannot work full-time to support their families. CCMW Montreal is asking for Quebec to recognize foreign certifications from countries other than European countries.
