 Print
Burlington Convention Centre Cancels Muslim Organization’s Event — Silencing or Safeguarding?
2-26-2025
The Burlington Convention Centre has officially cancelled the Reviving Roots conference, an event organized by the i3 Institute, which was set to take place on February 24, 2025.
Reason for Cancellation
The Burlington Convention Centre cited concerns over Mohammed Hijab’s history of inflammatory remarks. In a statement, they explained, “Mohammed Hijab has demonstrated a clear and consistent pattern of making derogatory and demeaning statements against Jews, Hindus, and Christians, as well as others. We believe that this rhetoric and behaviour are inconsistent with the values and principles of respect and coexistence by which the Burlington Convention Centre operates. They also raise human rights and safety concerns.”
Hijab, a U.K.-based speaker with Egyptian roots, has a significant online presence, with over 1.3 million YouTube subscribers. While his supporters argue that he is being unfairly targeted for advocating Palestinian rights, critics cite instances of inflammatory rhetoric to justify the event’s cancellation.
Community Reaction & Police Involvement
Complaints were made to the City of Burlington regarding Hijab’s scheduled speech, prompting the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) to assess the situation. However, HRPS clarified that their role was limited to safety assessments and that they were not directly involved in the event’s cancellation.
Mayor Meed Ward expressed her stance: “We do not condone or support hate speech or any rhetoric that promotes division, hate, or violence, whether religious, racial, gender-based, or otherwise at this or any other event taking place in the City.”
Backlash from Muslim Organizations
Muslim organizations and community leaders have criticized the cancellation, arguing that it reflects a broader pattern of silencing pro-Palestinian voices. A representative from the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada stated, “The Convention Centre did not consult with local Muslim groups before making this decision. Why was there no due diligence? Why are pro-Palestinian voices repeatedly being silenced?”
The representative further linked the cancellation to external influences, suggesting that “anyone advocating for Palestinian human rights faces suppression.”
i3 Institute’s Response & Legal Action
The i3 Institute, a non-profit organization focused on Islamic education and youth development, expressed disappointment over the decision and announced their intent to seek legal counsel.
“We regret to inform you that the Reviving Roots Conference is officially cancelled, as the Burlington Convention Centre has reneged on their contractual agreement. We reserve the right to pursue this matter legally. All registrants will be fully refunded.”
Consultation with External Organizations
The Burlington Convention Centre confirmed that their decision was influenced by consultations with the Global Imams Council (GIC), a non-local organization that reportedly raised concerns about Hijab’s participation.
Broader Implications
Halton Region has a diverse Muslim population (approximately 10% of residents). Many Muslim leaders argue that decisions impacting their community should involve meaningful consultation with local stakeholders.
Despite the cancellation, the Muslim Advisory Council of Canada remains steadfast in advocating against what they see as exclusion and Islamophobia.
“Our community is resilient. We do not stand down when Muslim voices are silenced,” the representative stated. “We will be writing to the mayor, town council, and the Burlington Convention Centre to demand accountability. This will not go unnoticed.”
As this controversy unfolds, Burlington finds itself at the center of a broader debate on free speech, religious tolerance, and balancing community concerns with inclusivity. Whether this cancellation was a necessary safeguard against hate speech or an unjust suppression of a Muslim speaker remains a subject of ongoing debate.
Footnotes:
|