Canada Alexa McDonough MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT - DEPUTEE Halifax September 19, 2007 To Whom It May Concern: It is with great pleasure that I write to express my enthusiastic support for the establishment of the UMMAH Mosque and Community Centre in Halifax. ‘As the Member of Parliament for Halifax for since 1997, and former Member of the Provincial Legislature in the Halifax Chebueto riding in which the new Mosque and Community Centre will be located, I feel this project will greatly benefit all citizens of the Halifax Regional Municipality. It will add to the diverse architectural fabric as well as the social infrastructure of our city. Our rapidly expanding Muslim population will have a more appropriate, long awaited, place to worship, to celebrate life, and to share their culture in an environmentally sound building. It will also provide an “open door” to the broader community who will benefit from the facilities, strengthening existing bonds and building enduring vital relationships within our community. Ina recent meeting, the leaders of this initiative highlighted their commitment to absolute transparency and stringent accountability both financially and programmatically. This is entirely consistent with the responsible leadership which they have demonstrated in the difficult and trying post 911 climate. modoneugh a@par ge oe - — eS grag castinck fy win stanton A‘The Maritime Muslim community as part of this endeavour has pledged to play a continuing role in “condemning and prohibiting” extremism among its faith adherents. This pledge is based on their endorsement of deeply felt Canadian values that all women and all minorities be treated with the greatest of “respect, fairness and appreciation”. If I may be of further assistance in advancing this vital project please feel free to be in touch. ps. Lam pleased to confirm that the Banking Institution where the Maritime Muslim Academy account dedicated to the UMMAH is the Bank of Montreal at 6371 Quinpool Road, Halifax, NS, B3L 1A6 (account number — 0133-1031 279). For further information feel free to contact Nicole Jabbour, Financial Services Coordinator, Bank of Montreal, Tel: 902-421-3924 Fax: 902-421-3703,