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Islamophobia is when people fear or hate Muslims and Islam. Islamophobia can lead to attacks and discrimination against Muslim people. This problem has existed for a long time. Islam is the second most common religion in Canada, after Christianity. In 2021, approximately 4.9% of the Canadian population was Muslim.
(This article is a plain-language summary on islamophobia in Canada. If you are interested in reading about this topic in more depth, please see our full-length entry, Islamophobia in Canada.)
What is Islamophobia?
The Ontario Human Rights Commission defines Islamophobia as prejudice and aggression towards Muslim people. It can include the misconception that Muslims represent a threat to the country’s security. These racist beliefs are present in society and even in institutions.
Islamophobia can also be manifested by other fears:
- A fear that there will be more Muslims.
- A fear that Islam will diminish women’s rights (see Feminism).
- A fear of religious values that encourage violence.
Islamophobic Attacks
Islamophobic attacks have been increasing since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. Some people unfairly blame the entire Muslim community for these terrorist attacks.
Muslim people are often targeted by hate crimes. In Canada, these increased by more than 250% between 2012 and 2015. Most of these crimes go unreported.
The majority of Muslims in Canada live in Ontario and Quebec. For example, more than 7.5% of the population in the Toronto region is Muslim. These two provinces have the most Islamophobic attacks.
Studies show that many people in Quebec and Ontario do not like Islam. Muslim women are often victims of unpleasant comments, sometimes even verbal aggression. This is especially the case for those who wear a headscarf. Between 2010 and 2019, almost half of violent crimes reported against Muslims were directed at women.
Some Islamophobic attacks are very violent and even deadly. In January 2017, a mosque in Quebec City was attacked. Six people were killed and several were injured (see Quebec City Mosque Shooting). In June 2021, an attacker targeted a Muslim family in London, Ontario. Four people were killed and one was injured.
Islamophobia is not limited to physical or verbal attacks. It can also lead to discrimination at work, meaning that Muslims may have a harder time finding work.
Fighting Islamophobia
The Government of Canada has put in place a number of tools to combat Islamophobia. For example, the government launched an educational program on religious diversity. In 2023, the government also appointed Amira Elghawaby with the task of combating Islamophobia.
Since 2021, 29 January has been a day to remember the victims of the Quebec City mosque shooting.
In summary, Islamophobia is a serious problem in Canada. It can cause attacks, discrimination and prejudice towards the Muslim community. (See also Prejudice and Discrimination in Canada.) The government and society are working to combat this problem by encouraging tolerance and respect of religious diversity.
