Question Period Note: Islamophobia in Canada

Islamophobia in Canada

Canada has seen alarming increases in racism and hate crimes targeting Muslim Canadians. Islamophobia in Canada is a real and troubling fact.
• Recently, the government has taken concrete steps to address Islamophobia. This includes marking January 29 as a National Day of Remembrance and holding a National Summit on Islamophobia.
• The Government of Canada will continue to support community organizations, and to work across the federal government to take further action against Islamophobia.

• According to the 2011 National Household Survey, there are just over a million Muslims in Canada.

• Recent Statistics Canada research has shown that many Canadians of Middle Eastern descent and/or practicing Islam have experienced discrimination. Since the beginning of the pandemic, almost 40% of South Asian and over 30% of West Asian Canadians have experienced discrimination.

• A Statistics Canada’s Hate Crimes report released on March 29, 2021, noted that while in 2019, hate crimes motivated by religion decreased by 7% overall, from 657 to 608 incidents, hate crimes against Muslims rose by 9%, from 166 to 181 incidents. Muslims continue to be among the most frequent targets of hate crimes against a religion, continuing trends from previous years.

• The Government has taken concrete steps to address racism and Islamophobia in Canada.

• Since 2019 the Government of Canada has committed close to $100M through Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, including $70M to support communities’ organizations across Canada addressing issues of anti-racism and multiculturalism.

• On January 29, 2018, the Prime Minister released a statement on the first anniversary of the Quebec City Mosque shooting, which remains the deadliest attack against religious minorities in modern Canadian history. In 2021, the Government declared January 29 would be a National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia.

• The 2020 Fall Economic Statement committed to protecting communities at risk of hate-motivated crimes through an investment of $13 million over 5 years, and $2.6 million ongoing, to not-for-profit organizations such as places of worship, schools and community centres to enhance their security infrastructure.

• In July 2021, the Government of Canada held a virtual National Summit on Islamophobia, during which the Government of Canada committed to continuing to engage Muslim communities on multiculturalism and anti-racism work.

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