Islamophobia continues to be an issue in Milton and around the province.
That’s why the Ontario Government is stepping in again to expand its plan to combat Islamophobia in schools. Milton MPP and Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Parm Gill, was joined by Education Minister Stephen Lecce and Mississauga East-Cooksville MPP Kaleed Rasheed to announce funding and partnerships that will help create “province-wide guides, resources, and materials to counter Islamophobic narratives in culture, online, and in the classroom.” The resources are designed for school staff and students, and to support Muslim families, students, and educators.
“We have one message to racist bullies in our schools: it ends now,” said Minister Lecce. “Senseless attacks and hateful rhetoric against Canadians of Islamic faith – including students and staff – underscore why we are taking further action to counter Islamophobic narratives in culture, online, and in the classroom. Developed by Muslim leaders and youth, these province-wide resources will empower educators, parents, and students to address racism head-on to inspire change, respect, and inclusion.”
Toronto Police says that hate crimes across all categories rose 51% in 2020 and kept rising in 2021. In 2020, the Muslim Association of Canada’s (MAC) Masjid Toronto saw six major incidents at both of its locations since the start of the pandemic, including spray-painted racial slurs and broken glass.
“One of the greatest strengths we have as a province comes from our cultural and religious diversity, and this is reflected in schools and classrooms across Ontario,” says Minister Gill. “Our government remains committed to creating conditions that combat racism, and today’s announcement is another important step toward ensuring classrooms are free from discrimination and students can feel safe and secure in their schools.”
As part of Priorities and Partnerships Funding (PPF) COVID-19 Equity Supports, and in support of Muslim students in Ontario’s publicly funded school system, the provincial government is providing:
- $150,000 to the Muslim Association of Canada to create new resources, including online courses, training modules, videos, and a web-based tool for educators, mentors, newcomer students, and parents. These resources will address mental health and well-being issues in connection with racism, discrimination, and the pandemic.
- $50,000 to Naseeha Youth Helpline to support the growing demand for counselling support from Muslim students as well as racialized students, parents, and families during the pandemic. The funding will enhance Naseeha’s capacity to provide direct supports and resources
The announcement builds on past initiatives intended to support safe and welcoming schools, including targeted investments for Muslim students. This includes partnerships with Muslim-led organizations to counter racism and empower students and communities to confront hate wherever they see it.
Last year, Ontario provided:
- $225,000 to the Muslim Association of Canada that supported the development of digital resources for educators, students, and parents to raise awareness about Islamophobia.
- $50,000 to the National Council of Canadian Muslims, which implemented community check-in sessions for Muslim newcomer families in multiple languages in locations across the province.
