Canadian Candidate Claims Victory for Islam

(Toronto, Canada) This report is troubling.

On December 2, the Liberal candidate for Mississauga-Erindale, Omar Alghabra, made his victory speech after winning the nomination. In that speech, he reportedly exhorted his audience, "This is a victory for Islam! Islam won! Islam Won! ... Islamic power is extending into Canadian politics."

Alghabra's victory speech was delivered to an audience of several hundred in the Coptic Christian Centre of the Church of the Virgin Mary and St. Athanasius in Mississauga.

Mississauga, part of the metropolitan Toronto area, apparently has some citizens that are not thrilled by Mr. Alghabra's statements.

Victor Fouad, a Coptic Christian, was disturbed to hear of such Islamist rhetoric from a Liberal who could easily become a Canadian parliamentarian. Mr. Fouad assumed that Paul Martin would likewise disapprove of such incitement by a Liberal candidate, and so wrote to the Prime Minister detailing what had happened. That message was ignored. The event took place over 2 weeks ago, and Paul Martin's silence since that time can only be interpreted as approval of Mr. Alghabra's rhetoric.

"I was surprised that Prime Minister Martin showed no interest in such a dangerous mixing of religion and politics," said Mr. Fouad. "Since he has said nothing about it and this candidate is still representing the Liberal Party of Canada, I have to assume that Alghabra has the endorsement of the Prime Minister."

Considerable controversy has erupted regarding Alghabra's acceptance speech. He apparently denies ever saying anything about Islam. People in attendance assert that Alghabra did herald his nomination as a victory for Islam.

As to what exactly was said by Alghabra, I don't know. I do know, however, that it has become a campaign issue and it will surely be on the minds of voters on January 23 when Alghabra goes against Conservative Party candidate Bob Dechert, the NDP's Dr. Rupinder Brar and the Green Party's Adam Hunter. It will be interesting to see how much support Alghabra attracts among the voters now that his candidacy has been besmirched. (via John Ray)

Companion post at In The Bullpen.