1. Is AlSalam registered as a charitable organization?

Yes, AlSalam community centre is registered as a charitable organization. You can confirm this by checking the following link: https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/hacc/srch/pub/dsplyRprtngPrd?q.bnRtNmbr=723813671&q.stts=0007&selectedCharityBn=723813671RR0001&dsrdPg=1

 

2. Is the land purchased for the project zoned for commercial use?

Yes, the land is designated as highway commercial, which means that residential buildings cannot be constructed on it. However, there are no restrictions on using the land as the location for our community centre. This is similar to most, if not all, other community centers and places of worship in the city. (See zoning certificates and rules at https://moncton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=abf27d871cd2495cbc659a8ce6cfb38d)

 

3. What can you tell us about the land?

We have secured 4.27 acres of land in the heart of Moncton, which is easily accessible through the town or via the Highway at De Fiedmont St, Moncton, NB E1A 3R2. Thanks to Allah (SWT) for this blessing.

 

4. How will the project purchase land be used, and who will it benefit?

Our objective is to establish a community centre with various amenities in the Moncton region. It will cater to the religious, social, and cultural  requirements of the expanding Muslim community and greater community at large.

 

5. Is AlSalam using bank loans or interest-based mortgages to fund the project?

No, AlSalam is purely funded by our community donations up to this point. In the future, we may be able to obtain some government funding for future phases, such as building a gym.

 

6. What is the process for electing AlSalam board members?

Currently, there is no board elected. As per the current by-laws submitted to the CRA, elections are to take place at the first annual general meeting (AGM), which is planned to occur as soon as possible after the completion of the first phase of construction. There are biweekly strategy team meetings by a group of committed brother and sister volunteers, and all decisions are made by Shura. (See bylaws here)

 

7. Where do the collected donations go?

Most of the collected funds have gone towards purchasing the land ($427,382.31), and a smaller fraction ($6,604.69) has gone towards professional services (legal, accounting, marketing, and environmental testing). As of March 4th, 2023, the current account balance is $86,725.90. (Details here)

8. Does AlSalam team get paid for working on the project?

Absolutely not, no one in AlSalam project members is compensated for the project. All members are volunteering their time and effort for the sake of Allah (SWT) to accomplish this dream. We share our financial documents (available upon request) to show what sort of spending are withdrawn from AlSalam accounts.

 

9. Are there any restrictions on who can volunteer and help with the project?

No restrictions whatsoever on who can volunteer and help. We always hope for more people to volunteer, and welcome volunteers for our existing committees (media, events, fundraising, etc.). Please feel free to reach out to [email protected].

 

10. How is the accounting of AlSalam handled?

The accounting is handled by an independent 3rd party accounting firm (T4’s and More Inc.). The interaction between the AlSalam community centre and the 3rd party accounting firm has been guided by two committed brothers who are Accountants by profession, one of whom is the official Treasurer.

 

11. Where can I find updates on the project’s progress?

We regularly post updates on the project’s progress on our social media, WhatsApp group, and www.alsalamcommunitycentre.com. Additionally, we hold general meetings periodically to communicate important updates to the community, with the most recent one taking place in February 2023.

 

12. Are any members of the AlSalam team compensated for their work?

No, everyone currently working on the AlSalam project is a non-remunerated volunteer.

 

13. Who founded AlSalam Community Centre?

The founders of AlSalam Community Centre are:
  – Ali Alqadi, an engineer who has lived in Moncton for over 20 years
  – Dr. Mansoor Quartey, a dentist who was born in Moncton
  – Khaled Hilal, a former banker with 30 years of experience in the Middle East who moved to Moncton in 2019.

14. How do I know if a communication is the official position of the AlSalam Community Centre?

 

To avoid confusion, all official communications that have been approved by AlSalam Community Centre through Shura process will begin with the phrase “An official communication from the AlSalam Community Centre follows”. Any communication by individuals that does not start with this designation should be assumed to be personal in nature.

 

15. If you have any questions that have not been addressed in this Q&A:

Please feel free to contact us at [email protected], and we will do our best to provide you with a timely and helpful response.

Last updated on: 5 March 2023