Canadian Muslims for Palestine (CMP) warmly welcomes the announcement made on October 14, 2026, at the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg, by Minister Nellie Kennedy, Premier Wab Kinew and the Manitoba NDP government recognizing anti-Palestinian racism (APR) within the provincial government.
For Muslims, Palestinians, and their allies, anti-Palestinian racism is not an abstract concept. It is felt in the silencing of Palestinian voices, the dismissal of Palestinian suffering, and the discrimination faced by those who speak up for Palestinian rights and dignity. Anti-Palestinian racism is deeply intertwined with Islamophobia , and confronting Islamophobia requires us to recognize and challenge the ways Palestinians are targeted, marginalized, and dehumanized.
This announcement brings hope that the experiences and voices of Palestinians will be heard and taken seriously. We welcome this recognition and look forward to seeing it translated into meaningful policies, concrete action, and effective enforcement, with clear mechanisms for accountability.
Recognition matters. But its true significance will be measured by the changes it brings to people’s lives: whether Palestinian voices are heard, their dignity protected, and their experiences of racism addressed with the seriousness they deserve.
We welcome this step forward and look forward to the work that must follow. Recognition is the beginning; meaningful and lasting change must be the goal.