Annual Report 2024-2025: A Canada Where We All Belong

Dedication

To Canadian Muslim youth who deserve to grow up without fear, proudly belonging.

Message from Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia

“What else can we do to stand with Canadian Muslims?”

This was a question posed to me during a presentation at the Islington United Church in Toronto this past January, to mark the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia.

Dozens of congregants had taken time following their Sunday worship to hear about the challenges facing Canadian Muslims, and which my Office is tasked with addressing at the federal level.

That question, and the heartfelt discussion that followed, demonstrates the incredible solidarity that Canadians of all backgrounds have shown towards their Muslim neighbours in a multitude of ways.

That solidarity is what drives our team’s commitment to fostering a stronger Canada, one that is based on our shared values of inclusion and belonging.

And in the face of growing hate and polarization, it will be incumbent on every Canadian who believes in those shared values to defend them.

Providing Guidance, Resources and Support

Our Office has been building on our work from our first year towards making that goal easier.

We launched the Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada, the first of its kind to be released by a government, anywhere in the world. It is a resource which aims to familiarize, empower and equip the public – including educators, employers, law enforcement, students, decision-makers, and community leaders – on their journeys towards eliminating Islamophobia.

We worked with federal partners on training, educational materials, and presentations to help ensure inclusive and responsive workplaces and services.

We provided guidance and advice to the Prime Minister, Ministers, and Deputy Ministers aimed at ensuring that Canadian Muslims, like all Canadians, can live lives of dignity and free of hate and discrimination.

Our work is driven by ongoing, local community engagement with leaders and community members, including many young people, who know the stakes are high. Islamophobia can deter far too many Canadians from fully participating, creating barriers to individual and collective progress.

Challenges and Setbacks

Advancing a more inclusive Canada is an objective marked by constant setbacks and challenges. As Canadians have continued to call on governments and institutions to uphold international humanitarian law, they have faced attempts to silence them, often through racist and Islamophobic stereotyping and tropes.

The constant flow of dangerous rhetoric, both on and offline, has contributed to a climate where Islamophobic, anti-Palestinian, and anti-Arab sentiment continue to be felt.

We have again heard from countless individuals and institutional leaders who have faced harassment, hate speech, online abuse, vandalism, and violence. In July 2024, Statistics Canada reported a 94% increase in police-reported hate crimes against Muslims in the previous year, a number which experts agree does not capture the full extent of hate due to underreporting.

What is reported is alarming. Perpetrators have threatened places of worship, bodily integrity, and the ability to speak freely about humanitarian issues.

To name a few examples: in Winnipeg, Manitoba, two men wielding an axe and a large knife attempted to break into a local mosque; in London, Ontario, a man deliberately set fire to the home of a Muslim family after they put up signs to support Palestinian human rights and to commemorate the Our London Family attack; and in Ajax, Ontario, a woman attempted to set fire to the hijab of a Muslim woman who was quietly studying at her local library.

Hope in Solidarity

The hopeful news is that many Canadians are refusing to permit these types of hateful, Islamophobic acts define our country.

Instead, acts of solidarity and inclusion abound: within days of the library attack, a community forum was held by the Town of Ajax to show support to the victim; in Cambridge, Ontario, Grade 10 students at a Catholic public school sent messages of love to the local mosque after it was vandalized; in Ottawa, Ontario, the local VIA Rail station created a contemplation space to ensure that those needing a quiet space for reflection could find one; and across the country, communities of all backgrounds have continued to exercise their civil liberties in an unwavering commitment to standing up for the human rights and dignity of all people.

This Annual Report provides a snapshot of the ways our Office has supported the Government of Canada’s efforts to foster a stronger Canada: a Canada where every person is treated fairly, with dignity, fully belonging and contributing to our shared prosperity.

Thank you for reading.

Islamophobia – an ongoing threat to human rights and social cohesion

Islamophobia — rooted in racism, prejudice, fear, stereotypes, and sometimes outright hostility towards Muslims — can be perpetuated at individual, institutional, and societal levels. Not only does it pose a serious threat to the well-being of Muslim communities, but it also increasingly harms broader social cohesion in Canada. At its core, Islamophobia undermines the safety and dignity of Canadian Muslims and fuels harmful narratives that depict them as security threats, which has consequences.

Several tragic acts of violence and terrorism have targeted Canadian Muslims. These attacks have left deep scars, making Canada the G7 country with the highest number of deadly, Islamophobic attacks, according to the National Council of Canadian Muslims. Canadian Muslims continue to report various acts of hostility, harassment and hate.

The impact of Islamophobia goes beyond acts of violence. For many Canadian Muslims, it can manifest in daily life — through racism, discrimination, and bias in workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods, and even within public institutions meant to serve and protect all citizens equally.

Islamophobia’s ongoing harms to Canada’s social cohesion represents a threat to us all.

A Federal Response to Tackling Islamophobia

Following the deadly terrorist attack on the Afzaal family, fondly remembered as Our London Family, on June 6, 2021, Canadian Muslim communities called on the federal government to take further action to address Islamophobia. This call came just five years after six Quebec Muslim men were gunned down after evening prayers at their local mosque, and one year after a Toronto Muslim caretaker was stabbed to death in front of his place of worship.

The federal government accepted community recommendations to create the Office of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia (OSRI) to advise the government on how to address Islamophobia and systemic racism more effectively.

Since 2023, Amira Elghawaby, previously a journalist and human rights advocate, has held the role of Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia. OSRI operates within the Department of Canadian Heritage, and the Special Representative reports to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister Responsible for Official Languages.

“Everyone living in Canada has the right to feel safe—in their communities, their neighbourhoods, their schools, and their places of worship. I thank the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia for her leadership and presence on the ground to ensure we listen to marginalized voices and that Muslim communities are heard. Canada is strong because of its people and the very values that define us: diversity and inclusion. And when everyone succeeds, Canada succeeds.”

Vision, Mission, and Mandate

To help fulfill its role, OSRI has developed a vision, mission and outlined three key outcomes that are based on its comprehensive mandate.

Vision

Canada should be a place where Muslims are able to fully participate in every aspect of society, while freely practicing their faith and expressing their diverse identities, without fear of discrimination or hate.

Mission

OSRI will work with the federal government, and with communities and leaders across the country to advance the safety, security, inclusion, well-being, prosperity, and cultural vitality of Muslims in Canada.

Mandate

The Special Representative has an extensive mandate that can be described as covering three main areas: providing guidance and advice to policy makers, encouraging public education and awareness, and active engagement with Muslim and other stakeholders across the country to deliver impactful policy solutions. See the 2023-2024 Annual Report for further details on the Pillars of OSRI.

Key Outcomes and Mandate Achievements for 2024-2025

YEAR II – A Year of Growth

Recognizing the rising prevalence of Islamophobia and incidents targeting Muslims over the past year, the Government of Canada provided additional funding to OSRI in Budget 2024 (PDF). This has enabled OSRI to hire additional policy analysts and administrative staff to further support its mandate objectives.

This staffing complement provides further capacity to help support the Special Representative’s efforts to provide timely, specific, and actionable policy advice to the Government of Canada.

Key Highlights

OSRI continues its critical function of working as a bridge between communities and the federal government to improve understanding and identify potential policy solutions to ongoing and emerging issues. This includes convening roundtables, providing in-depth presentations and delivering keynote addresses at government conferences, as well as working with communities and civil society organizations to identify gaps and explore concerns.

OSRI also prioritizes the need to provide information and resources to the broader public on the topic of Islamophobia, social cohesion, inclusion, disinformation and hate, pluralism and religious freedom.

Providing Critical Resources for Canadians

Resources and training opportunities are a valuable way for Canadians to counter Islamophobia and promote inclusion and belonging. This past year, OSRI published and contributed to numerous resources to equip Canadians with the information and understanding they need.

The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada

One of OSRI’s most important achievements this year was its publication of The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada.

Developed in partnership with experts, members of Canadian Muslim communities, civil society organizations, and government partners, the Guide serves as a comprehensive resource for combatting Islamophobia across Canada. It empowers Canadians to recognize and dismantle Islamophobia, familiarizes and equips all Canadians with the tools and resources needed to make a positive difference within their communities, and provides useful information that can be incorporated in training and awareness initiatives in almost any setting.

"This Guide is an important contribution to understanding the specific experiences of Muslims in Canada. Identifying and combatting racism, hate, and discrimination is key to protecting fundamental human rights and building a Canada where everyone is valued and respected."

“The Guide will support our efforts to create a more inclusive workplace culture, increase cultural intelligence and cultural humility, and will further build awareness of anti-racism and bias in the workforce."

" Islamophobia continues to be a significant barrier to equity and inclusion. This resource will help ensure that Muslim workers are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace for everyone, and contributing to greater community inclusion and safety for all."

Strengthening Access to Justice for Victims of Hate Crime in Canada

On Human Rights Day, the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) released a report titled, Strengthening Access to Justice for Victims of Hate Crime in Canada. The OFVOC worked in collaboration with OSRI to learn about the experiences and impacts of hate crimes on Canadian Muslim communities.

The Special Representative also continued her engagement with law enforcement agencies to raise the safety concerns of Canadian Muslim communities, building on work in Year I of the mandate.

“On behalf of the Peel Police Service Board, I am pleased to share the final report on the first community consultations regarding police governance and human rights [.. .] Your insights, alongside those of other participants, have shaped a document that addresses systemic challenges and emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and trust.”

Canadian Islamic History Month

Canadian Islamic History Month was proclaimed by Parliament in 2007 to recognize the presence and contributions of Muslim communities to Canadian society.

The Special Representative engaged in a variety of events and activities, including at school boards, mosques, private sector companies, a CBC Gem documentary launch event, numerous government and civil society conferences, a national youth summit, municipal events, a women’s leadership panel, as well as presentations for government departments.

In partnership with the Aga Khan Museum, the Special Representative joined Dr. Ulrike Al-Khamis, Director and CEO of the museum, and Canadian Muslim artists Soheila Esfahani and Sashar Zarif to explore the power of the arts in bringing communities together.

Additionally, OSRI released a downloadable poster paying tribute to the rich contributions made by generations of Canadian Muslims, featuring community members of all ages and backgrounds.

Statistics Canada Infographic: The Muslim Population in Canada

OSRI was pleased to collaborate with Statistics Canada to develop a series of infographics on the Muslim population in Canada, sharing valuable insights on these communities. With misinformation and disinformation fueling Islamophobia, data helps counter false narratives and provide accurate representation and information on the presence of Muslims in Canada. The infographics reached tens of thousands of Canadians online, garnering significant praise and appreciation.

“[This is] not just data—it’s a story of growth, belonging, and representation. As a Muslim in Canada, I feel so seen and heard looking at this. A huge thank you to Amira Elghawaby and her team. This isn’t just a celebration of numbers — it’s a celebration of us, of inclusion, and of what’s possible when representation leads to meaningful action.”

Distribution of the total Canadian population and the Muslim population, by age group, 2021 - text version

In 2021, the Muslim population was relatively young, with a median age of 30, compared with a median age of 41 for the total Canadian population.

Age groups	Total Canadian population	Muslim population
0 to 14 years	16.5%	26.3%
15 to 64 years	65.4%	67.4%
65 years and over	18.1%	6.4%

Top 10 countries of birth of Muslim population in Canada, 2021 - text version

Countries	Proportion
Canada	29.5%
Pakistan	12.7%
Iran	5.8%
Morocco	4.2%
Algeria	4.2%
Bangladesh	3.7%
Syria	3.5%
Afghanistan	3.4%
India	3.1%
Lebanon	2.4%

Top 10 languages spoken most often at home by the Muslim population in Canada - text version

Proportion of the Muslim population in Canada, by language spoken most often at home, 2021

Languages	Proportion
English	47.3%
Arabic	18.1%
French	15.3%
Urdu	13.0%
Iranian Persian	4.5%
Bengali	3.4%
Dari	2.6%
Somali	1.8%
Turkish	1.5%
Gujarati	1.0%

Muslim population in Canada - text version

In 2021, South Asian was the largest racialized group among the Muslim population.

Population	Proportion
South Asian	37.6%
Arab	32.2%
West Asian	13.0%
Black	11.6%

Note: "Muslim" includes respondents who, in the question on religious affiliation in the Census of Population, reported Muslim, Ahmadi Muslim, Ibadi Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Sunni Muslim or another Muslim affiliation.
Source: The Muslim population in Canada.

Anti-Islamophobia Training and Presentations for Canada’s Public Service

The Special Representative was frequently invited to present to federal agencies and departments, as well as to participate in government-led conferences and workshops.

"Thank you for your impactful keynote address at the NSIC meeting on Rising Anti-Immigrant Sentiment in Canada. Your insightful remarks on the rise of Islamophobia, and the harmful misconceptions about Muslims, were both enlightening and crucial for our work in settlement and integration.”

The Special Representative delivered presentations during Canadian Islamic History Month and to mark the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, among other occasions.

The Special Representative provided guidance to the development of anti-Islamophobia training at the RCMP in collaboration with its Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Secretariat.

Additionally, OSRI collaborated with the Muslim Federal Employee Network and the Canada School of Public Service to launch a training module on Addressing Islamophobia in the Workplace, which is currently available to all public servants.

Advising the Government of Canada

Over the past year, OSRI has actively engaged with federal departments, agencies, and crown corporations—including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA); Canadian Heritage; Women and Gender Equality; Justice Canada; Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS); Statistics Canada; Global Affairs Canada (GAC); Treasury Board Secretariat; VIA Rail Canada; and others—on a wide range of pressing issues.

These include the experiences of Muslim federal public servants, those seeking to bring family members to Canada from conflict areas such as Gaza and Sudan, and challenges Muslim charities are facing.

The Special Representative also met with Government Ministers and senior officials to address critical policy concerns, including how Islamophobia—and its intersections with anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism—continues to undermine Canada’s social fabric and democratic values.

“I don't think I’ve ever felt more unsafe in Canada than I do right now.”

Engaging Communities on Federal Initiatives to Advance Belonging, Safety and Inclusion

In addition to her work of advising the federal government in Ottawa, the Special Representative also attends a wide range of conferences, public events, and community engagements to highlight relevant federal programs and initiatives.

Among major federal initiatives launched in 2024 were Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028. These programs expand the federal toolkit to support marginalized communities and equip them with the necessary resources, including the Canada Community Safety Program (formerly the Security Infrastructure Program).

The Special Representative participated in cultural events and programming and highlighted the Government of Canada’s commitments towards empowering diverse voices in the media and cultural industries – a key initiative reflective of this commitment was the launch of the Changing Narratives Fund. The Fund is designed to empower diverse communities to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives and help advance accurate and authentic representation of the communities in the media, audiovisual, and cultural sectors. Specifically, for Canadian Muslim communities, countering harmful stereotypes through storytelling is a key element of countering Islamophobia.

Representing Canada Internationally

While the mandate of the Special Representative is domestically focused, many international partners have proactively engaged with her, a recognition of the leadership Canada has demonstrated in addressing growing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim discrimination.

The Special Representative participated in international engagements, collaborating with like-minded countries, sharing Canada’s experiences and learning about best practices to help inform recommendations here at home.

This includes representing Canada at the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the World Economic Forum Faith in Action conference in New York, the HR30 Launch Conference in Albania, Coordination Meetings on Combatting Anti-Muslim Hatred and Racism with the European Commission and the Council of Europe in Belgium, and at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations during a side event of the 68th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

In the News

Throughout the year, the Special Representative engaged with a variety of media outlets and platforms to discuss issues impacting Canadian Muslim communities, initiatives related to the office’s mandate, and to support the launch of the Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada.

The Special Representative offered wide-ranging analysis on a host of related topics, as an expert on the rise of online and offline hate, and addressing broader concerns related to civil liberties and inclusion. The Special Representative appeared on television, radio, podcasts, and in print media.

To mark Canadian Islamic History Month, the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action on Islamophobia, the commemoration of the Our London Family attack, the Special Representative published opinion-editorials in newspapers to provide further insights and raise awareness.

The Special Representative also engaged with thousands of Canadians through social media channels, at times, in collaboration with the Department of Canadian Heritage. This included a special video message to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action on Islamophobia.

Additionally, the Special Representative issued numerous public statements and published newsletters throughout the year.

Conclusion

This Annual Report summarizes the activities undertaken by the Special Representative between April 2024 and March 2025 as per her mandate. These efforts are meant to strengthen and support Canadians’ shared values of inclusion, pluralism, respect for human rights, and multiculturalism.

As illustrated throughout the report, these initiatives engage Canadians of all backgrounds in a myriad of ways, including by centering the voices of those most impacted by Islamophobia. Together, the work of OSRI helps unlock Canada’s collective potential by advancing a Canada where we all belong.

Appendix A

Year II Public Engagements*

• Addressed the inaugural launch of the Coordination Meeting on Combatting Anti-Muslim Hatred and Racism, co-organized by the European Commission and the Council of Europe — March 2024
• Met with Justice Minister and Attorney General to discuss Canada’s online harms legislation — March 2024
• Met with Universities Canada — May 2024
• Met with Senator Pierre J. Dalphond with an appearance in the Senate of Canada — May 2024

• Met with the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to discuss rising Islamophobia and community safety concerns — June 2024
• Met with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and community members — June 2024

• Met with the President of CBC/Radio-Canada to raise concerns about Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian bias in media coverage — June 2024
• Met with Public Service Management Advisory Committee — June 2024
• Met with Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies in New York — September 2024
• Met with the Director of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations — September 2024
• Met with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada officials regarding support for Palestinians coming to Canada from Gaza — September 2024
• Met with the Office of the Minister of Public Safety to discuss the Canada Community Security Program — October 2024
• Held multiple meetings with the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association to discuss the Islamophobia hotline initiative in the province — October 2024
• Met with University of Manitoba president to discuss recommendations on how to ensure universities uphold civil liberties and protect against Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and anti-Arab racism — October 2024
• Met with Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities and community members — October 2024
• Met with the Prime Minister of Canada on the rise in Islamophobia and protecting civil liberties — November 2024
• Met with the Clerk of the Privy Council to share updates on the work of the Office and advise on behalf of Muslim Federal employees — November 2024
• Conducted a workshop and knowledge exchange with the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime, discussing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Practical Guide on Understanding Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes — November 2024
• Met with the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to relay community concerns — November 2024
• Met with the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities to discuss key policy issues facing communities — November 2024
• Met with the Mayor of Calgary to raise awareness of the Office and its mandate — November 2024
• Met with the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to discuss special measures for Gaza and Sudan — December 2024
• Met with Treasury Board officials to discuss voluntary self-identification of public servants — December 2024
• Met with European Union Coordinator on Combatting Anti-Muslim Hatred and the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia in Australia — January 2025
• Addressed the HR30 Conference in Albania, alongside UN and civil society leaders — January 2025
• Addressed the National Council of Canadian Muslims Leadership Policy Summit — January 2025
• Met with the Director of Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) — February 2025

• Held multiple meetings with officials at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada regarding special measures for Sudan and Gaza — February 2025
• Attended the Government of Canada's Official Black History Month Celebration for 2025 alongside Ministers and Members of Parliament — February 2025
• Engaged in a meeting with Senators and representatives from the National Council of Canadian Muslims to discuss community priorities — February 2025
• Addressed the second Coordination Meeting on Combating Anti-Muslim Hatred, co-organized by the European Commission and Council of Europe, and several international roundtables and meetings focused on countering anti-Muslim racism and hate — March 2025
• Met with Canada’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations, and presented to staff at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations – March 2025
• Ongoing meetings with Quebec Muslim community leaders and members, January – March 2025
• Met with the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Global Communications – March 2025
• Met with the National Security Transparency Advisory Group – Multiple meetings 2024/2025

Year II Public Education and Awareness*

• Presented at the Ethno-Cultural and Religious Diversity Committee at the Ottawa Police Service to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination – March 2024
• Addressed the Voices in Action Networking Breakfast for Asian Heritage Month with Ottawa students — May 2024
• Attended Reflections from a Vacant Lot: In Conversation with Mira Sucharov and Omar M. Dajani, Global Centre for Pluralism — May 2024
• Met with University of Toronto Muslim Students Association — May 2024
• Addressed the Canadian Vote Summit 2024 by the Democratic Engagement Exchange — June 2024
• Addressed the launch of the Anti-Muslim strategy by the Thames Valley District School Board — June 2024

"Thank you, Amira, for your powerful keynote address at the community dinner and commemorative event. On behalf of the Equity team and the Thames Valley Distract School Board, we deeply appreciate your support of the Anti-Muslim Strategy and your impactful messages.”

• Addressed the third commemoration of the Our London Family attack — June 2024
• Participated in the 8th Annual Palestine Day on the Hill — June 2024
• Addressed the Muslim Medical Association of Canada’s Annual Banquet — June 2024

• Addressed the National Council of Canadian Muslims’ Student Leadership Summit in Toronto, encouraging youth civic engagement — August 2024

• Participated in community roundtables on Anti-Palestinian racism — August 2024
• Addressed the Solidarité Djibouti Canada (SODCAN) Annual Gala — August 2024
• Participated in the Silk Road Literary Festival — August 2024
• Addressed the Combatting Racism and Hate Speech event hosted by the Montreal Council of Women — September 2024
• Addressed the Concordia Forum Annual Diplomatic Reception on sidelines of United Nations General Assembly — September 2024
• Addressed the National Council of Canadian Muslims’ Online Harms Conference, focusing on digital safety and countering hate — September 2024
• Addressed the Muslim Women’s Forum in British Columbia, highlighting intersectionality and leadership — September 2024
• Addressed the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations – Promoting Peaceful and Inclusive Societies for Sustainable Development through Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue — September 2024
• Addressed the Durham District School Board’s Affirming Muslim Identities Conference — October 2024

• Addressed Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s National Settlement and Integration Council, focusing on newcomer settlement and integration needs — October 2024
• Delivered a Canadian Islamic History Month presentation on Islamophobia to employees at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission — October 2024
• Addressed The Canadian Muslim Vote’s Beyond the Vote Youth Summit, supporting youth advocacy and democratic engagement — October 2024
• Addressed the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s equity presentation alongside Muslim and Jewish advocates and leaders — October 2024
• Addressed the Mosquers Film Festival in Edmonton — October 2024
• Delivered a presentation for Canadian Islamic History Month at Gowling WLG — October 2024
• Addressed the Assunnah Muslims Association’s Canadian Islamic History Month event — October 2024
• Addressed the launch of the Mujaadilah Centre in Ottawa, dedicated to research and dialogue on issues affecting Muslim women in Canada — October 2024
• Addressed Carleton University’s conference on Reimagining Political Journalism — October 2024
• Addressed the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, Leaders Forum — October 2024
• Attended the Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s Finding Common Ground conference, focused on combating hate and racism — October 2024
• Addressed the Muslim Social Services Community Builder Awards Gala in Kitchener — November 2024
• Addressed the National Council of Canadian Muslim’s Leadership Policy Summit, highlighting community advocacy and legislative impact — November 2024
• Addressed the 4th Annual Middle East Strategy Forum — November 2024
• Addressed the Canadian Council of Imams Annual Gala — December 2024
• Met with Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton — December 2024

• Addressed the Urban Alliance on Race Relations Foundation Awards Ceremony and received Racial Justice Award — December 2024

• Addressed the Restore Somali Foundation: Youth Leadership Gala — December 2024
• Addressed the Khayrhaye Gala, Somali community event — December 2024
• Addressed the Canadian Muslim Youth Project Symposium in Calgary, empowering youth leaders — January 2025
• Addressed the Muslims in Media panel hosted by the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec and Thé pour la paix – Commémoration de l’attentat contre la Grande Mosquée de Québec — January 2025
• Addressed the Muslim Employee Network at Metrolinx on fostering unity through diversity and anti-Islamophobia practices — January 2025
• Addressed the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council Strengthening Solidarity Across the Charity Sector conference — January 2025
• Delivered a presentation at the Employment Insurance Contact Centre’s National Day of Remembrance virtual event — January 2025
• Delivered a presentation at Islington United Church in Toronto on faith-based community building and combatting Islamophobia — January 2025
• Attended the 4th National Black Canadians Summit in Montreal, supporting cross-community solidarity — January 2025
• Addressed Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Canada’s HonesTea event, fostering intergenerational dialogue and reflection — February 2025
• Addressed the Muslim Federal Employees Network Toronto Luncheon event — February 2025
• Addressed the Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute conference on Muslim Women’s Contributions and Equity at the Canadian Human Rights Museum in Manitoba, and delivered a presentation to CHRM staff — February 2025
• Addressed the Syrian Canadian Foundation’s Equity in Action Summit, focused on women’s engagement in public life — February 2025
• Addressed Muslimahs at Toronto City Hall, focusing on Muslim women’s civic leadership — February 2025
• Addressed University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work Symposium on Youth Experiences with Islamophobia — March 2025
• Delivered a presentation at the Culture Change and Humility in Policing at the Canadian Police College — February 2025
• Addressed the DawaNet Conference, addressing faith-driven social advocacy and youth engagement — March 2025
• Addressed Islam Awareness Week at the University of Ottawa — March 2025
• Addressed Gendered Islamophobia and the Global Gender Equality Agenda on the margins of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York, co-hosted by Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations — March 2025

*Note: This is not an exhaustive list of engagements.

Appendix B

2024–2025 By the Numbers

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Canadian Heritage, 2025.
Cat. No. CH1-50E-PDF
ISSN 2819-6554