“Today, we join with the more than 100,000 of our Muslim neighbours, co-workers and friends in recognizing the start of Ramadan, Islam’s holiest and most solemn month of the year.
“This year, our Muslim neighbours, like so many others, are constrained by the COVID-19 pandemic from coming together in communal prayer and to share a meal after dusk with friends and extended family. My sincere thanks go out to the Imams and community leaders who have been complying with necessary health restrictions and restricting gatherings at this holy time.
“Alberta’s Islamic community is comprised of people from many backgrounds, and it is a proud note in our history that the Al-Rashid Mosque in Edmonton was Canada’s first mosque, and was built with the support of Albertans of many faiths.
“Ramadan is a time of spiritual discipline and self-denial, when Muslims demonstrate great devotion to the primacy of the spiritual over the material.
“On behalf of Albertans everywhere, I wish all our Muslim neighbours a blessed and peaceful Ramadan. May you experience renewal and stay safe during this time of fasting and prayer.”