السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

As community members of Markham, ON, Canada, we have a personal story to share. Ten years ago, our community came together to purchase a building with the vision of transforming it into a Masjid. This was not just an investment; it was an expression of our faith and unity. However, after all these years, this dream remains unfulfilled due to the lack of transparency and accountability at our Masjid.

Despite being funded by us - the community members - the corporation is controlled by a select few who show no concern for our aspirations or interests. Elections are not held while many have inducted themselves as permanent members for life which has led to an invalid constitution of the corporation.

This situation is unacceptable as it undermines democratic principles and disrespects those who have contributed their hard-earned money towards this cause. It's time for change.
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WE DEMAND IMMEDIATE ACTION ON SEVERAL FRONTS:

• Immediate dissolution of the directorship shall be followed by a prohibition on previous directors running for elections.
• Regular elections must be held to ensure fair representation.
• A membership expansion initiative, encompassing the broader community, necessitates the organization of a membership drive.
• Full disclosure should be provided about how funds are being used.
• The constitution needs revision to align with both legal and community standards.
• Overall transparency within operations must be improved.
• Realignment of MDI's three core pillars i.e. Faith, Education & Community Service.
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DID YOU KNOW?

1. Officially, we are still a Musallah and NOT a Masjid.
2. A piece of land already sold to the City of Markham at the time of acquisition.
3. Property was classified as a "FLOOD PLAIN" before the purchase in 2014 which was kept a secret and not disclosed to the community.
   This means...
   - that a school cannot be built until there is a fix for the flood plain which means that a drainage system needs to be made before MDI can be given a permit to construct/renovate.
   - that the large sum of money donated by a generous donor for school were used for operational expenses and management never paid it back.
   - that we will have to sell more land to the City or pay the adjacent property owners to allow us for an easement to tap into the main drainage line on Markham Rd. This could potentially mean a loss of several million dollars and/or loss of land.
4. Environmental toxins exist on the property even before the acquisition which was never fixed nor disclosed to the community.
5. There are Health Hazards that affect all congregants especially children.
6. There are Building Code and Fire Code violations.
7. Non-Compliance of internal policies & procedures, internal controls, and financial limits.
8. Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in private and not with general public (community members) as required by law.
9. Constitution and By-Laws are designed to protect people in management and not as a registered charity which should essentially be...
   - of the people
   - by the people
   - for the people
10. Self sufficiency not achieved even after 10 years of operation. Shortfall of over $30K per month and growing.
11. Mismanagement of allocation of donated funds.
12. Donated funds are squandered on lavish dinners for dignitaries, serving the personal agenda of select management individuals, with no discernible benefit to MDI, and notably, there is no acknowledgment of community members or volunteers at these events.
13. Instances of non-compliance with labor laws, including Ontario's Employment Standards Act (ESA), are observed.
14. Low staff morale is prevalent, accompanied by widespread dissatisfaction.
    

By signing this petition, you are standing up for justice, democracy and respect within our community.

Let's reclaim what rightfully belongs to us - sign today!

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