More Muslims say they are very proud to be Canadians than do non-Muslims, according to a new public opinion poll by Environics. And this, in spite of the finding that over one third say they have experienced discrimination due to religion and ethnicity.
Some 83 per cent of Muslims feel very proud to be Canadian, up from 73 per cent canvassed in a similar survey in 2006. By comparison, only seven in ten non-Muslims now say they feel that same pride.
Perception that Muslims want to integrate
As to whether Muslims want to adopt Canadian values and customs or remain distinct, 53 per cent of Muslims said they thought their co-religionists prefer to integrate this way, 17 per cent thought they want to remain distinct and 16 per cent said they want both.
Only one per cent of Muslims believe most or many Muslims have sympathy for terrorists. Six per cent thought some did and the vast majority felt that very few or none at all sympathized with terrorists.
Non-Muslims are more likely to think this is more widespread, but there has been real decline in this perception over the last ten years. “I think what we can conclude from these results is that for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, the temperature is really declining or lowering on concerns or anxiety about terrorist sympathies within our population,” said Keith Neuman, executive director, Evironics Institute for Survey Research.
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New government gives Muslims hope
Nine out of ten Muslims feel the new Canadian government elected in October 2015 will lead to improved relations between them and non-Muslims. However they feel that the next generation will face more discrimination and stereotyping. That view is especially prevalent among the young.
When it comes to questions about general concerns Muslims and non-Muslims respond just about the same way. Most say their top worry is about the economy and jobs, followed by immigration, education, health care and taxes.
‘Just as Canadian as anyone else’
“So by and large, Muslims and non-Muslims have the same outlook towards issues facing this country,” said Neuman. “I think that’s a very good reminder for all of us that while Muslims may have a very different religion and they may look different and come from some exotic cultures, they’re still in the end just as Canadian as anyone else.”
Canada is home to more than one million Muslims, according to the 2011 census. They made up about 3.2 per cent of the population. Christians were the second largest group of 22.1 million representing two-thirds of the population. Hindus represented 1.5 per cent, Sikhs 1.4 per cent, Buddhists 1.1 per cent and Jews 1 per cent. More than 7.8 million people or one-quarter of the population reported no religious affiliation.
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