POLL SHOWS ISLAMOPHOBIA ON THE RISE

POLL SHOWS ISLAMOPHOBIA ON THE RISE - TOP
Continuing need to educate Canadians about Islam and Muslims: CAIR-CAN

(Ottawa, Canada - September 20, 2008) - The Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN) today said that a new poll showing a rise in Islamophobia in Canada indicates that more needs to be done to combat discrimination and anti-Muslim sentiment.

A Leger Marketing poll released on September 19 reveals that nearly two out of five Canadians hold anti-Muslim sentiments. Those polled were asked whether they had a favourable or unfavourable view of Muslims, and 36 per cent indicated an unfavourable view. This was a nine per cent increase from last year's number of 27 per cent. The unfavourable view of Muslims was also more pronounced in French Canada.

"It is indicative from this poll that more needs to be done by Canadian Muslims to educate the public about Islam and the Muslim community," said Ihsaan Gardee, CAIR-CAN Community Relations Director.

"At the same time, the poll speaks to the need for the active integration of Canada's growing Muslim population to combat Islamophobia and discrimination," he added.

Gardee also noted that earlier studies conducted by the Trudeau Foundation and the Bouchard-Taylor Commission report indicate that those Canadians who actually know Muslims tend to have a favourable or highly favourable impression of them and the Islamic faith.

CAIR-CAN further said it was deeply concerned about the general rising trend in unfavourable views of minorities in Canada, including anti-Semitism. According to the poll, there was a decline in favourable views of Jews among Canadians.

"Any increase in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia is unacceptable, and concrete initiatives are required to fight against such intolerance," said Gardee.

CONTACT: Ihsaan Gardee, CAIR-CAN Community Relations Director, 613.254.9704; Sameer Zuberi, CAIR-CAN Communications Coordinator, 613.254.9704 or 613.795.2012.