We express outrage at the conduct of Ilyas Sidyot. While employed as Imam (religious leader) at a prominent Islamic Centre in Saskatchewan, Sidyot was found guilty in court of defrauding a senior citizen from his congregation. Minimizing or overlooking this conduct is not appropriate, especially at a time when fraud is on the rise in Canada.

After being terminated by his employer, Sidyot sought employment in a different Islamic Centre in Saskatchewan. A letter from this second employer dated September 19th, 2022 indicates that Ilyas Sidyot was terminated with cause after he was found to have filed an insurance claim to SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) for which “there was no legitimate basis”. As per this letter, Sidyot also had computers that were donated by a non-profit organization “sent to a local business to sell and took the proceeds in cash”.

We call on everyone to stand up against fraud and to protect vulnerable members of our community. Sidyot being named as a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, one of the highest honours in Saskatchewan, is not appropriate. We are asking for this medal to be revoked. Please support our request by writing to Lieutenant-Colonel Jason Quilliam at honours@gov.sk.ca or by signing this petition.

We stand with all victims of fraud and we thank you all for your support.