QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Canadian Heritage
Combatting Islamophobia
December 6, 2023
Good afternoon, minister.
The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights has released a report outlining findings and recommendations following a year-long study on Islamophobia in Canada. The committee learned that Islamophobia is a pervasive issue in the country that has infiltrated every aspect of daily life. Canadian Muslim children are growing up with internalized Islamophobia, and young women in hijab are being harassed in public spaces.
Minister, considering the rise in hate-related incidents since October 7, how do you intend to tackle Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in Canada besides appointing special representatives?
Thank you for your question. I think it’s a question that covers a very broad spectrum. In terms of the fight against racism, discrimination, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, yes, special representatives have been appointed. That is one aspect of the work that needs to be done, but this must be integrated into everything we do.
That’s why the idea of fostering diversity within government organizations and fighting all forms of discrimination really needs to be a priority for the government as a whole, for all our Crown corporations and for all our departments. We need to think about the impact that each of our policies and each of our laws will have on diverse communities across the country.
Our government must lead by example, with a cabinet that reflects Canada’s diversity. That will also help ensure that different perspectives are part of the decision-making process.
Minister, many of the committee’s findings are striking. It was particularly jarring to learn that there exists a network of hate and bigotry which is leading to the othering of Canadian Muslims who are already often depicted by hurtful stereotypes in the media.
Minister, how do you intend to respond to the report’s fifth recommendation regarding the Department of Canadian Heritage undertaking a review of the role and effectiveness of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission in fulfilling its mandate, particularly regarding the needs, interests and aspirations of racialized communities?
Thank you for the question. When we modernized the Broadcasting Act, we included a lot of concepts surrounding diversity and the representation of diversity in broadcasting and on broadcasting platforms across Canada.
We have made sure that diverse communities can see themselves on television and hear themselves on radio. It is all part of the fight against hatred, discrimination and racism. Once again, it needs to be part of our everyday work.
