A conference scheduled to feature British Islamic activist Mohammed Hijab as a guest speaker in Burlington has been cancelled following community concerns and public outcry.
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward confirmed the cancellation in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), thanking residents for voicing their concerns. “Your voices have been heard. As a result of community members raising concerns, the Burlington Convention Centre announced today that the event has been cancelled,” she wrote.
The Reviving Roots Conference, organized by Mississauga-based i3 Institute, was set to take place on February 24 at the Burlington Convention Centre, with Hijab as the keynote speaker. His scheduled talk, titled “Reclaiming the Muslim Identity in a Secular World,” was intended to explore religious and social issues from an Islamic perspective.
However, Hijab has been accused by critics of antisemitic and anti-Hindu rhetoric, as well as controversial views on the age of sexual consent. He has defended himself by stating that the mainstream media misrepresents Muslim viewpoints.
Earlier this month, Mayor Meed Ward made it clear that Burlington does not condone or support hate speech in any form. “These types of statements and rhetoric are not welcome in Burlington. Neither my office nor the City of Burlington have been involved in the booking of this event,” she said.
The Burlington Convention Centre has since confirmed that the conference will no longer take place. It remains unclear whether the event will be relocated or rescheduled. The i3 Institute has not responded to requests for comment.