Muslims for Progressive Values Canada

MPV Principles on Activism and Justice

We believe that freedom of conscience is not only essential to all human societies but integral to the Qur'anic view of humanity.

We embrace religious pluralism and the diversity of inspirations that motivate people to embrace social justice.We affirm our commitment to social, economic and environmental justice. We believe that the fullself-realization of all people, in a safe and sustainable world, is a prerequisite for freedom, civility, and peace. We support women’s agency and self-determination in every aspect of their lives. We believe in women’s full participation in society at every level.We endorse the human and civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) individuals.

We support freedom of expression and freedom of dissent, whether political, artistic, social or religious, even when that expression may be offensive and that dissent may be considered blasphemous. No one should be legally prosecuted, imprisoned or detained for declaring or promoting unpopular opinions.

We support efforts for universal health care, universal public education, the protection of our environment, and the eradication of poverty. We are committed to work toward societies that ensure social, political, educational, and economic opportunities for all.

 In the name of Justice for a fellow Canadian - supporting Dr. Hassan Diab:

At Muslims for Progressive Values Canada we affirm our commitment to social justice. We believe that the full self-realization of all people, in a safe and sustainable world, is a prerequisite for freedom, civility, and peace.

We also affirm that justice and compassion should be the guiding principles for all aspects of human conduct. We repudiate militarism and violence, whether on an individual, organizational, or national level.

It is on that basis that we lend our support to Dr. Hassan Diab – an Ottawa professor and fellow Canadian citizen who is the subject of extradition from Canada to France. We stand by the views of fellow MPV Canada member and advisor, Asif Rehman in his correspondence to Justice Minister Nicholson, communicated as well to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Opposition Leader, Jack Layton, MP David McGuinty (Ottawa South), Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, Foreign Affairs Opposition Critic, Paul Dewar, Liberal Foreign Affairs critic, Bob Rae, Green Party Leader, Elizabeth May and spokesperson for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Sukhanya Pillay. We urge MPV members to send similar letters on Dr. Diab's behalf.

Please click on this link to see Asif Rehman’s letter, dated June 22, 2011.

Statement re. Suspected Terrorist Arrests from Muslims for Progressive Values Ottawa - August 26^th, 2010

In wake of the recent arrests of terror suspects in Ottawa, we at Muslims for Progressive Values Ottawa (MPV) support police and law enforcement agencies in their efforts to keep Canadians safe, trust that they have sound evidence to support valid charges against the individuals arrested and that all Charter rights of those individuals arrested have been upheld.

We welcome police talks with Ottawa’s Muslim community to encourage mutual understanding.

We encourage Ottawa’s Muslim community leaders to continue to encourage members of the Muslim community, the vast majority of whom are peaceful, to be tolerant and accepting of fellow Canadians of other faiths and/or lifestyles.

We denounce terrorism in all forms and stand by our fellow Canadians to maintain a secular, peaceful Canadian society and way of life.