DUBAI: A security guard authorized to work for Canada’s Via Rail has been suspended pending enquiry following asking a Muslim person not to offer pray at an Ottawa train station.
CTV News Ottawa reported that the Muslim worshipper, who identified himself as Ahmad, had just finished praying when the security guard approached him and asked him, “do not pray in here … Pray outside next time.”
Ahmad said that the incident occurred on Monday at the station in Ottawa.
Ottawa Citizen news website reported, a video of the incident that went viral showed the security guard telling the Muslim man that his prayers were disturbing other persons in the station.
Via Rail has issued an unreserved apology to Ahmad and the entire Muslims worldwide and pledged a complete probe and “appropriate actions” based on its findings.
After a meeting to discuss the “regrettable and saddening incident,” the National Council of Canadian Muslims and Via Rail issued a joint statement that said the two sides had held positive talks and that the operator was making efforts to enhance its diversity and inclusion policies.
“The talks focused on common objectives, namely, to ensure that Via Rail gives a comprehensive environment where employees and passengers feel safe practicing freedom of religion,” the statement said.
Canada
Canada based Ahmad said that he was left feeling hurt, shocked and disrespected.
He said: “The security guard made me feel embarrassed. Like, this is Canadian capital?
Via Rail pointed out that it strongly denounced Islamophobia and any biased behavior.
The guard was not an employee of Via Rail, but a spokesman said the company had asked its subcontractor to eliminate him from all Via Rail contracts pending the result of the probe.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims has since been in contact with Ahmad.
