Background
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On March 23, 2023, a VIA Rail contracted employee publicly berated a Canadian Muslim when he asked him to stop worshipping at the Ottawa train station. Following this incident, a public apology was issued and a joint communiqué was issued with the National Council of Muslim Canadians.
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Following this incident, VIA Rail reiterated their commitment of providing an inclusive environment where passengers and employees feel safe to exercise their freedom of religion, including the ability to worship.
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In summer 2024, VIA Rail created a meditation room at its Ottawa train station. The meditation room is open to everyone and provides an intimate space to worship.
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On August 6, 2024, Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, visited the meditation room. Ms. Elghawaby was pleased with the accommodations and expressed her views on social media by indicating that it was a win for diversity and inclusion.
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On August 15, 2024, members of the National Council of Canadian Muslims also visited the accommodations and were pleased with the outcomes.