March 28, 2023

A recent report by the Angus Reid Institute sheds light on the diverse views that Canadians hold toward Islam and Muslims. The report, which surveyed Canadians across the country, found that 36 per cent of Canadians outside of Quebec have a negative view of Islam, compared with 56 per cent within Quebec. However, there are some promising and encouraging data points that suggest the potential for positive change in attitudes toward Islam and Muslims in Canada.

One significant finding in the report was that younger Canadians are more likely to have a positive view of Islam and Muslims than are older Canadians. Statistically, we know that diverse, racialized, and minority populations have been growing in Canada over the past two decades. Therefore, younger Canadians are more likely than older ones to know Muslims within their classrooms, communities, and workspaces. Normalized experiences of everyday interactions help to eradicate conceptions of fear and othering that may arise from not knowing who Muslims are.   

The study also finds a direct correlation between level of education and the type of attitudes Canadians hold toward Islam and Muslims. Those with positive views were more likely to have graduated from post-secondary education, while half of those with negative views had a high-school diploma or less. Studies have shown that level of education has a salutary effect on Islamophobia. Education plays a critical role in eradicating Islamophobia, as individuals may have opportunities to engage with differentiated frameworks of thought and to examine base judgments alongside meaningful evidence.

While the data points mentioned above are promising, it is important to note that there is still work to be done in addressing Islamophobia in Canada. The fact that a significant percentage of Canadians still hold negative views toward Islam is concerning and highlights a crucial need for continued efforts to combat Islamophobia…

In an effort to address the rise of Islamophobia in Ontario, the Muslim Association of Canada was granted funding by the provincial government to build a platform that provides practical tools and resources to educate public-school administration, staff, students, and parents on Islam and Muslims. The initiative has been a resounding success, with many schools and individuals in the community benefitting from the educational resources and information provided at islamawareness.ca.

The platform aims to dispel many of the myths and stereotypes surrounding Islam and Muslims and provides accurate information on the religion. Educators and community members have commented that it has helped them spark conversations and address topics related to Islam and Muslims effectively within their educational spaces.

The success of this initiative highlights the fact that community-based partnerships and relevant resources developed by the Muslim community can work to reduce the impacts of Islamophobia within Ontario…..

Read the full article: How Ontario is combatting Islamophobia — and what more needs to be done | TVO Today