“We were very happy to receive these heartfelt messages,” said Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “It shows that this is not just an issue effecting Muslims, but that coast-to-coast across our country citizens are speaking up against biased, inflammatory and sensationalist media coverage. People from all walks of life and speaking with one voice to make clear that racism and discrimination have no place in our country.”

MCM was especially touched to receive numerous offers of help from Quebecers willing to escort niqaab-wearing Muslim women to vote, to ensure their safety.

“This is the true face of Quebec, these are the values and principles of our nation. We were touched to receive these offers, which demonstrate the justice, respect, tolerance and unity of our society.”

MCM also hopes that now that the provincial election is over, media outlets will refrain from instigating a crisis over the issue of reasonable accommodation and will instead uphold standards of journalistic integrity.

“In the past few weeks we have seen an alarming amount of attacks against Muslims and other minority communities on our airwaves and newspapers. We hope to see this cleaned up to make room for informative and balanced dialogue.”