Canadian Race Relations Foundation: Islamic History Month 2024

Islamic History Month in Canada is an occasion to honour the contributions of Muslims across Canada and remind us of the diverse stories, cultural milestones, and enduring impact Muslim communities bring to collective Canadian identity.  

This year, Islamic History Month is overshadowed by a troubling recent rise of Islamophobia in Canada. Since last October, the National Council of Canadian Muslims has reported an increase of Islamophobic incidents by 1300 percent. This rise in hatred and bigotry threatens the safety and wellbeing of everyone in this country.  

This year, Palestinian, Lebanese and Sudanese Canadians across the country are also struggling with intensified war and conflict in their previous homelands, where many continue to hold close family and community connections. Many Muslims in Canada who originate from those regions have noted an increased strain on their sense of safety here, and find themselves unable to practice their faith publicly or simply exist without fear of being targeted or attacked. 

In September 2024, the Government of Canada released its Action Plan on Combatting Hate, to address emerging and evolving manifestations of hate experienced by individuals and communities in Canada and to foster connection, safety, belonging, and trust.  The CRRF provided key research, policy recommendations, innovative solutions, subject matter expertise and insight to the Action Plan. In addition, the federal government introduced the Canada Community Security Program (CCSP), which replaces and expands on the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP) and supports communities at risk of hate-motivated crime and funds the improvements to increase their safety.  The Community Security Program is now open to applications from organizations needing to ensure community gathering spaces like community centres, daycares, places of worship & schools are safer. 

Islamophobia is on the rise. Canadians must reject all forms of hate and stand united for a more inclusive Canada for our families and communities.

Amira Elghawaby, Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia. 

The office of Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia has released a poster series to celebrate generations of Canadian Muslims, women and girls to download and share, and will continue to share Islamic History Month celebrations and other work to combat Islamophobia in Canada in its newsletter. 

We look forward to continuing to celebrate and support the rich and diverse contributions of Muslims in Canada, strengthen connections across communities and combat Islamophobia for a Canada where we can all feel welcome and safe.