Systemic Islamophobia Identified in Canada’s Health Care System
The Muslim Advisory Council of Canada (MACC) has released its annual report revealing persistent systemic Islamophobia within the Canadian health care system, Daily Sabah reported. The MACC report documents at least 180 cases of discrimination, which range from biased medical treatment to workplace harassment, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive reforms.
In 2024, Muslim patients and health care professionals continued to encounter systemic Islamophobia, including incidents of biased treatment. One notable case involved a medical director in Hamilton, Ontario, who publicly made Islamophobic remarks. The MACC has taken action to ensure accountability in such cases.
The organization has engaged with Health Minister Mark Holland and other policymakers to advocate for reforms aimed at eliminating discrimination in health care settings. The report also underscores systemic discrimination in education, particularly within the Halton District School Board, where students and families reported suppression and inadequate support when addressing concerns about Islamophobia, anti-Arab racism, and anti-Palestinian racism.
In response, MACC has launched an education portfolio designed to empower families with knowledge about their rights, tools for self-advocacy, mental health support, and access to resources. This follows a previous report by Canada’s Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, which noted a significant rise in Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism in Canada.
