Muslims rallying voters have a message for party leaders: avoiding important issues could cost you votes
The upcoming federal election in Canada has many Muslim Canadians feeling conflicted as they debate which party to support. One of the key reasons for this uncertainty is the perceived lack of attention from party leaders towards issues that matter to the Muslim community. Mustapha Ramadan, the chair of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) mosque in Mississauga, Ont., has noted that none of the federal party leaders have visited the mosque during the campaign, which has left many Muslims feeling overlooked.
The Muslim community is eager for politicians to engage with them on important issues such as the ongoing war in Gaza, rising Islamaphobic attacks, and Quebec’s secularism law. However, these topics are often seen as controversial and divisive, leading many politicians to avoid discussing them for fear of alienating potential voters. Despite this, Muslim leaders are pushing for these issues to be addressed, emphasizing the need for politicians to take a stand on issues that directly impact the Muslim community.
More than 100 Muslim organizations across Canada have signed a joint statement urging Muslims to vote in the upcoming election and demand that politicians address their concerns. Reem Sheet, from the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), highlights the importance of Canadian leaders taking action to prevent further tragedies like the 2021 attack on the Afzaal family in London, Ont., and the recent assault on a hijab-wearing woman in Ajax.
While some political parties have made efforts to engage with the Muslim community, there is a call for stronger and more concrete actions to address key issues. The NDP has been vocal in defending human rights and calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, while Liberal Leader Mark Carney has met with Muslim communities and advocated for a ceasefire and the safe resumption of humanitarian aid in Gaza. However, there is still a demand for a national strategy to combat Islamophobia and clearer stances on the war in Gaza.
As the election campaign progresses, Muslim Canadians are looking for clarity from party leaders on where they stand on these crucial issues. Aisha Sherazi, a community volunteer in Ottawa, emphasizes the importance of affordable housing and economic stability, in addition to addressing issues that impact the Muslim community. While the Muslim vote is significant, it may not be as decisive in Canada as it has been in the U.S., as Muslim voters do not all align with the same party.
Ultimately, Muslim Canadians are calling for politicians to take a strong stance on important issues, use inclusive language that unites rather than divides, and engage meaningfully with the Muslim community. The power of the Muslim vote should not be underestimated, as it has the potential to influence the outcome in key ridings across the country. As the election approaches, Muslim voters are looking for leaders who will prioritize their concerns and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all Canadians.
