Mosaic Institute latest report highlights anti-Arab racism in Canada

Toronto, Ontario, January 21, 2021 ― The Canadian Arab Institute is pleased to have been consulted on the inclusion of anti-Arab racism in the Mosaic Institute’s latest report “Dialogue on Race Relations - Community Consultations 2020”.

This report provides a holistic assessment of the perceptions and realities of race relations in Ontario. It reaffirms the notion that many Canadians across different racial backgrounds experience racism and racial discrimination, including Arabs in Canada.

The Canadian Arab Institute (CAI) provided a series of recommendations that outline the challenges facing our community. Similarly to other racialized communities in the country, our group is not monolithic and should not be treated as such. "Arab" ignores the intersectional experiences of the Arab community. As mentioned in the report:

“The Arab community is the largest newcomer population across Canada and it also includes Muslim, Queer, Indigenous and Black community members, which is often not highlighted in research and/or discussions about the community. Arab community members often get lumped under 'Muslim' or 'Middle Eastern' categories only, further taking away from the various intersectional experiences and demographics of the Arab community in Canada.” - Dialogue on Race Relations - Community Consultations 2020, Mosaic Institute, pg. 13

When faced with the hard truth, it is Arabs who have the highest unemployment rate in Canada amongst all racialized groups. We are also facing language barriers like never before. Therefore, research surveys and policies that attempt to reach out to racialized participants must consider the language barriers and centre raciailized voices in anti-racist work. 

“The Arab category is diverse and must be treated as such when conducting race base data collection or having discussions about discrimination. Arabs face unique systemic barriers that continue to remain unaddressed and unheard. The recommendations in this report are a step forward in addressing our concerns and including our voice in the conversation about systemic racism.” -Shireen Salti, Executive Director of CAI

CAI is calling for like-minded organizations to come together to discuss and work with us on addressing anti-Arab racism and amplifying the recommendations outlined in the report, particularly amending the term “visible minorities” to better describe the experiences of Canadians. We owe it to our community members to make them feel seen, heard, and proud every time they fill out the census and see their identity represented. 

About The Canadian Arab Institute

The Canadian Arab Institute  is a national nonpartisan organization that focuses on issues and interests of the Canadian Arab community through research, policy, programming and community engagement. CAI celebrates and encourages Arab Canadians' participation in all social, political, cultural and economic aspects of Canadian society.

Press Contact:

Shireen Salti

Executive Director

shireen@canadianarabinstitute.org

T: 647-425-7970