The federal and provincial governments need to commit to a concrete plan with resources to address the root causes of violence. This plan must address the elimination of sexism, racism, poverty, homelessness and other forms of violence and oppression that create inequality and injustice.

Until then, we can count on the fact that one in three women – our mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, friends, partners, neighbours – will continue to experience violence in their lifetime.

The discussion of this homicide as stemming from issues of a "clash of cultures, faith, the hijab" misrepresents the issue of violence against women. Violence is about the power and control of women by men. The assertion that this violence reflects the community and Islam is rooted in both racism and Islamophobia. Violence is not a value in any culture or faith community.