Living with Racism in Canada
What does the term “racism” imply? For many of us—new Canadians—any act that makes us feel ‘othered’ or treated differently (unequally) is a sign of racism. If that’s all we have seen or experienced, we may consider ourselves lucky, for this issue runs deep—very deep! Experiences such as being talked down to by an irate white man, being given a wide berth by a white woman while walking down the street, or being yelled at in a grocery store parking lot may all be rooted in racism. However, these incidents are merely the tips of the proverbial iceberg.
Racism lives and thrives in the system, which is why we use the term “systemic racism.” Also referred to as institutional racism, this harmful practice encompasses deeply entrenched policies and practices within national and local institutions that perpetuate racial stereotypes, leading to societal biases.
Racism and Canada have a long-standing relationship that can be traced back to the anti-Greek riots in Toronto in 1918, which were among the largest anti-Greek riots in the world. While Canada has made significant strides since then, the undercurrents of this ugly reality continue to persist, embedded in various facets of Canadian society, including healthcare, education, and the criminal justice system.
For example, studies indicate that racialized Canadians are more likely to experience discrimination in employment, housing, and interactions with law enforcement. In 2024, 45% of racialized Canadians reported facing racism and discrimination in the past five years, with many experiencing repeated incidents. This discrimination contributes to broader social issues, including higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and health disparities within these communities.
The situation has not improved in 2025. According to a recent Leger poll conducted between August 29 and 31, 2025, involving 1,672 participants, 49% of Canadians reported witnessing clear instances of systemic racism within their province’s government, public institutions, legal agencies, and social systems and laws.
Jack Jedwab, the president and CEO of the Association for Canadian Studies, expressed surprise at the high percentage of individuals reporting systemic racism, noting that not everyone fully understands what the term entails.
Regardless of the semantics, the reality remains undeniable: racism is alive and well in Canadian society. If we do not take action soon, it will corrode the very foundations of the multicultural Canadian dream that we all value.
The Canadian government acknowledges this issue and has implemented various strategies to combat discrimination. The Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028 is a community-driven framework designed to eradicate systemic racism and promote equity and inclusion. This strategy builds on previous efforts and emphasizes federal leadership, community empowerment, and awareness-building. Despite these initiatives, progress remains slow, and many communities continue to advocate for more substantial changes.
*****
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
