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Islamophobia in Canada has been recognized a priority area for research and documentation as acknowledged in Motion 103 (M-103) which passed in the House of Commons on March 23, 2017. M-103 called on the Canadian government to "condemn Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination,” asking the government to "recognize the need to quell the increasing public climate of hate and fear.” The motion was passed after the tragic attack in a Quebec mosque in 2017 where six men were shot dead after evening prayers, shocking the nation and challenging the ideals of multiculturalism.

This study supports M-103 through its objectives to analyze, document and map the Islamophobia industry in Canada. The Islamophobia industry perpetuates fear and negative stereotypes about Islam and Muslims, leading to hate, violence and discrimination. It is comprised of media outlets, political figures, academics, think tanks, far right groups and ideologues, and the donors who fund their campaigns. These individuals, groups, and institutions comprise a network that supports and engages in activities that demonize and marginalize Islam and Muslims in Canada.

Since the 9/11 tragedy, Muslims have been more openly vilified and targeted. Hate crimes against Muslims in Canada grew 253% from 2012–2015. A 2007 Environics poll revealed that 66% of Muslims surveyed were concerned about discrimination and that 30% were “very concerned.” These concerns were validated by a 2017 Angus Reid survey that found 43% of Canadians had unfavourable views of Islam as compared to other faiths. A 2016 Leger poll found a steady decline in Francophone views of Islam since 2012, with 48% of Quebec respondents holding negative views. Alarmingly, a year prior at the same Quebec mosque where the 2017 attack occurred, a pig’s head with a sign that said “bon appétit” was left at the door.

The study is organized around the following objectives:

  • Examine and map the political, ideological, institutional, and economic networks which stimulate Islamophobic fear and moral panic in Canada.
  • Define the Islamophobia industry in Canada, as well as survey recent trends and strategies employed by agents of Islamophobia.
  • Create profiles of key public, media and political figures as well as organizations who produce and distribute Islamophobic ideologies and propaganda.
  • Generate outcomes to collaborate effectively with a broader network of Muslim and allied advocacy groups in Canada. The intent is to implement enhanced outreach strategies for target audiences (government, media and general public).

To achieve these objectives, the research team headed by Professor Jasmin Zine have employed Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to examine relevant media, speeches, websites, and videos relating to key political figures, organizations, media outlets and alt-right groups and white nationalist groups that purvey Islamophobic agendas.

This study is working to make academic research relevant and accessible within policy and community forums to support community advocacy and social justice interests.

How to Get Involved

Stay tuned for upcoming book publication and opportunities.

If you are interested in doing graduate research in the area of Islamophobia, get in touch to discuss possibilities. If you are interested in undergraduate study in the area of Islamaphobia, consider Laurier’s Muslim Studies Option or Religion and Culture program.

 

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The Canadian Islamophobia Industry Research Project is supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Contact Us:

Jasmin Zine, Lead Researcher

E: jzine@wlu.ca

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