Strategy of The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) In Overcoming The Problem Of Hatred Against Muslim Minorities In Canada (ISLAMOPHOBIA)

Abstract

Islamophobia in Canada continues to rise, characterized by discrimination, hate crimes, and political rhetoric targeting the Muslim Community. The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) plays an active role in addressing these challenges through policy advocacy, public awareness Campaigns, and legal protection for Muslims. This study aims to analyze NCCM`s Strategies in Combating Islamophobia using perspectives of Constructivism, Social Identity Theory, and Advocacy. A qualitative method is employed to examine how NCCM shapes social norms, articulates the interest of the Muslim Community, and engages in advocacy within the Canadian public policy framework. The findings indicate that the strategy carried out by the NCCM has not been effective enough in overcoming Islamophobia in Canada because there are still many cases of hate crimes targeting Muslims on the basis of Islamophobia and the NCCM also faces challenges such as restrictive religious freedom policies, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and negative media portrayals of Muslims. However, NCCM`s strategy is effective in helping to provide support and protection and voice the rights of Muslims who are victims of discrimination or experience hate crimes. This study highlights the importance of civil society`s active participation in shaping more inclusive norms. Although the NCCM has not been able to fully address Islamophobia in Canada, a slight change has been seen in tolerance where for the first time in history, this year Canada put up a “Ramadan Mubarak” sign outside city hall in Toronto.