The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) has called on federal and local authorities to implement comprehensive reforms in response to what it described as rising Islamophobia across Canada.

In a newly released report, the council argued that anti-Muslim hate speech and attacks have become systemic issues, urging authorities to move beyond condemnation statements and adopt binding policies aimed at protecting the rights and security of Muslim communities.

The organization proposed a series of structural reforms, including greater sensitivity by law enforcement agencies toward hate crimes, stronger judicial deterrence through tougher penalties, and broader inclusion of anti-Islamophobia education within the school system.

NCCM also stressed that harassment targeting Muslims — both online and in public spaces — should not go unpunished, warning that the normalization of such acts risks deepening social divisions.

Calls for stronger accountability mechanisms

The council referred to the 2021 attack in the city of London in Canada’s Ontario province, where four members of a Muslim family were killed in what authorities described as a targeted act motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.

Referring to that attack and other incidents, the organization argued that Canada has experienced some of the deadliest acts of anti-Muslim violence among G7 countries, highlighting the need for more effective prevention measures.

NCCM also announced the release of a new guidebook aimed at combating anti-Muslim discrimination. According to the council, the document calls for institutional reforms and accountability mechanisms to strengthen protections for Muslim communities and address systemic shortcomings.

The latest appeal comes amid continued debate in Canada over hate crimes, discrimination policies, and the responsibilities of institutions in addressing religious intolerance and protecting minority communities. (ILKHA)