Canadian Muslims Push for Policy Reforms on Islamophobia Ahead of Election

With Canada’s federal election approaching on April 28, Muslim communities are advocating for substantive policy reforms to address Islamophobia, Anadolu Agency reported. Recent data shows Canada leads G7 nations in targeted killings of Muslims, including the 2017 Quebec mosque massacre and the 2021 vehicular attack in London, Ontario, which killed four members of a Muslim family. Despite these incidents, Islamophobia has received limited attention in the election discourse.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), representing 200,000 members, emphasizes the need for a national action plan against hate crimes, improved education programs to counter anti-Muslim bias, and stronger legal protections. Concerns are heightened by parallels to U.S. policies under President Trump, such as travel bans targeting Muslims and crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activism.

Canadian Muslims highlights systemic issues in media representation, where negative stereotypes perpetuate discrimination. While Canada appointed a Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia in 2023, advocates argue current measures remain inadequate to curb rising hate crimes.

All major political parties are being urged to adopt these priorities. The NCCM has engaged with candidates across party lines, stressing that symbolic gestures must translate into legislative and diplomatic action. The outcome will significantly impact Canada’s commitment to human rights and minority protections.