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MONTREAL – When Islamist terrorists strike in the West, it has become standard for political leaders to stress that the actions of a few should not tarnish an entire community. On Thursday, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard chose a different approach.

Responding to the arrest of Amor Ftouhi of Montreal after a terror assault in Michigan, Couillard said the province’s Muslim community needs to do more to prevent terrorism.

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“Unfortunately, you cannot disconnect this type of event – terrorism – from Islam in general,” Couillard said in Quebec City when asked if he was worried the attack would fuel anti-Muslim sentiment. He said he shares the position French President Emmanuel Macron expressed this week in a speech to Muslim community leaders.

“He told them, it’s also your responsibility to act on the theological front, to explain to your people that this (terrorism) is not part of the religion, that it is contrary to the teachings of the religion. There is a dual responsibility,” Couillard said.