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continued from p.16 Mayor spoke of friend Max Khan 19 | Thursday, November 10, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Horwath was the keynote speaker at a celebratory dinner hosted by the locally-based Dar Foundation. The event was a way to thank provincial and municipal politicians for recognizing Islamic Heritage Month (October), which was officially inaugurated in Ontario recently. Islamic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of the Muslim community while promoting action to fight Islamophobia through education and positive engagement. Also in attendance were Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, Ward 6 Town Councillor Natalia Lishchyna, London-Fanshawe MPP Teresa Armstrong, London West MPP Peggy Sattler and Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof, among others. "We have an obligation to take care of one another. From our political perspective and my understanding of your community work, there is nothing more important than taking care, particularly, of the most vulnerable members of our society," said Horwath. The Ontario NDP leader met with a group of Muslim community members several weeks ago to discuss the "type of province we would like to build, now and for generations to come," Horwath said. "We talked about our shared vision for a province that is more inclusive, that is more supportive of all of our communities. It was at this meeting that I first announced the NDP would be introducing a bill to establish an Islamic Heritage Month in Ontario," said Horwath. She said the province now recognizes Islamic Heritage Month as a way to "highlight and share the outstanding contributions" of Muslims. "Your contributions as leaders in business, politics, science, health care and the arts are appreciated. Contributions like the ones Dar Foundation makes on a daily basis," she said. Horwath praised the Dar Foundation for its food bank and tax clinic, as well as its efforts to assist Syrian refugees. "Your organization exemplifies the kinds of contributions the Muslim communities make in all parts of this province," said Horwath. "The contributions of Ontario Muslims are not only breaking barriers, but are creating the very inclusive and strong communities we need to make sure we continue to be a strong and welcoming province for all people." Horwath said "we're all better off" when our neighbours are doing well, too -- fundamental values the NDP shares with the Muslim community. "It's clear to me it's our obligation to take action, to do everything we possibly can to say, `This is not acceptable in a province like Ontario,'" said Horwath. Burton spoke about his friend, Max Khan, the late Ward 6 Town councillor, who died at the age of 46 in 2015. see Reaching on p.20 IN LOVE With FALL www.walkerschocolates.ca 3350 Fairview Street, Burlington 905-634-2462 What's Happening in November? We would love for you to visit us at Amica at Oakville to discover why our community is the area's preferred retirement living residence. Please join us for one of our November Lunch & Learn events. Lunch & Learn Waitlist Program When: November 14, 16 & 18 11:00am to 1:30pm Lunch & Learn Enhanced Care, Respite and Short Stay Programs When: November 21 & 23 11:00am to 1:30pm For more information or to RSVP please call 905-842-8167. Amica at Oakville is an all-inclusive community with a range of first-class amenities and personalized services in each of our neighbourhoods: Independent Living · Assisted Living Expect More. Amica at Oakville 160 Bronte Road Oakville, ON 905-842-8167 TM at Oakville