As our series of Cross-Canada Workshops focusing on faith closed in Halifax in May, it remains clear that the dialogue around faith and spirituality – important parts of our diversity – must move forward. The 2016 survey of Muslims in Canada, conducted by the Environics Institute in partnership with the CRRF, clearly showed that members of this religious group experience discrimination. Muslim youth are concerned that this type of discrimination will grow in the years to come.
A separate study by the Angus Reid Institute showed that a significant segment of the Canadian population holds negative views about religious groups and their members – with Muslims faring worse than other groups. This distrust reflects findings in other CRRF research products.
As Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute said at a Cardus event titled “Faith in Canada 150,” familiarity does not necessarily lead to acceptance. If that’s the case, how do we make a difference? Clearly, religious intolerance and discrimination pose significant barriers to achieving the goals of multiculturalism. Countering racism and intolerance while strengthening inclusivity are important and difficult tasks we must tackle. Let us hear about the Best Practices you are aware of or involved in that contribute to the path forward.
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Anita Bromberg