PCA Calgary has strongly condemned remarks made during the May 6

The Pakistan Canada Association (PCA) Calgary has strongly condemned remarks made during the May 6, 2026 proceedings of Calgary City Council, calling the comments by Councillor Dan McLean discriminatory and Islamophobic toward Muslim community members. The condemnation follows renewed public attention after the matter was again discussed yesterday, when community advocate Tuka Ali publicly spoke about the incident and its emotional impact on Muslim residents across Calgary.

In a press release issued from Calgary on May 13, 2026, PCA Calgary spokesman Burhan Khan stated that Councillor McLean singled out Ms. Tuka Ali during City Council proceedings while she was presenting on behalf of the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good, an organization representing concerns raised by more than 100,000 Calgarians. During her presentation, Ms. Ali wore a keffiyeh, a traditional cultural garment widely recognized throughout the Arab world and internationally worn in solidarity with Palestinians.

According to the statement, Councillor McLean publicly claimed that the keffiyeh created a “non-inclusive environment” and associated it with hatred. PCA Calgary described the remarks as institutional Islamophobia and stated that targeting a Muslim woman because of her cultural expression was unacceptable within a democratic public institution.

Yesterday, Ms. Tuka Ali again addressed the controversy publicly, explaining that the keffiyeh represents identity, culture, and solidarity with people enduring humanitarian suffering. She stated that she felt humiliated after being publicly singled out during the council session and further hurt when she was reportedly not allowed to fully defend herself against the accusations directed toward her. Community members and advocacy groups present during the discussions expressed solidarity with Ms. Ali and raised broader concerns regarding inclusion, free expression, and equal treatment within City Hall.

Community advocate Siama Jamal also voiced concern over the incident, stating that the remarks made against Ms. Ali reflected a troubling atmosphere for Muslim women participating in civic life. She emphasized that cultural attire and symbols should not be weaponized to silence or intimidate individuals who are exercising their democratic right to speak at public institutions. Siama Jamal further stated that Muslim women in Calgary should feel safe, respected, and empowered when engaging with elected officials and public forums, rather than fearing discrimination or humiliation because of their identity or appearance.

PCA Calgary also criticized the conduct of Chair Raj Dhaliwal, alleging that Ms. Ali was silenced when she attempted to defend herself during the proceedings. The organization argued that allowing accusations against a Muslim presenter to remain unchallenged while denying her the right to respond demonstrated a harmful double standard.

The association further stated that the silence of other councillors during the exchange contributed to feelings of alienation within Calgary’s Muslim community. PCA Calgary warned that incidents of this nature risk eroding public confidence in democratic institutions and discouraging marginalized communities from participating in civic engagement.

Calling for accountability, PCA Calgary urged Mayor and Council to formally censure Councillor Dan McLean and ensure safeguards are implemented so that no resident is silenced after being publicly accused because of cultural or religious expression. The organization also demanded a full and unconditional public apology to Ms. Tuka Ali and Calgary’s Muslim community from both Councillor McLean and Chair Raj Dhaliwal.

Burhan Khan emphasized that Calgary’s diverse communities deserve leadership that protects dignity, equality, and democratic participation for all residents regardless of faith, ethnicity, or cultural background.