Several Montreal neighbourhoods held vigils on Sunday to remember the victims and stand in solidarity with the Muslim community on the eve of the first year anniversary of a deadly rampage inside a Quebec City mosque.
"Islamophobia is a reality," Mayor Valerie Plante said at a large gathering in Park-Extension, during which a minute of silence was observed in honor of the victims.
In her speech, Plante emphasized the need for politicians of all political stripes to work to make Montreal more inclusive.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims has proposed the National Assembly to make the anniversary of the massacre a day of observance against Islamophobia. Both the Parti Quebecois and the Coalition Avenir Quebec came out against the idea.
The borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro is going ahead on its own to designate Jan. 29 as a day of remembrance, as well as one of action to combat Islamophobia, according to borough mayor Dimitrios Beis.
More rallies are scheduled in Montreal on Monday -- the exact day of the anniversary.
On Jan. 29, 2017, a gunman entered the Centre Islamique de Quebec and opened fire, killing six male worshippers and wounding several more.
To mark the anniversary, a ceremony will be held in Quebec City near the mosque.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has already announced that he will attend this event. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard will also be present.
Rallies are planned across Canada as well, including in Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.
-with files from La Presse Canadienne