The Mayor of Toronto, Wearing a Hijab, Met with the City’s Muslim Community Leaders to Discuss What They Consider the Biggest National Problem in Canada: Islamophobia
Toronto, April 19, 2025 — In a powerful gesture of solidarity, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow met yesterday with prominent leaders from the city’s Muslim community to address what many of them have described as Canada’s most pressing national issue: Islamophobia.
Wearing a modest light blue hijab, Mayor Chow visited the Islamic Centre of Toronto in Scarborough, where she participated in a roundtable discussion with imams, community organizers, youth leaders, and activists. The meeting centered on the rising concerns surrounding anti-Muslim sentiment in Canada — from verbal harassment and online hate to acts of violence and systemic discrimination.
“Islamophobia is not just a Muslim issue. It’s a Canadian issue,” Mayor Chow said during her opening remarks. “When one community is targeted, it affects all of us. We cannot allow fear and hate to define who we are.”
Community leaders welcomed the mayor’s presence and symbolic gesture, noting that such visible expressions of respect help challenge stereotypes and foster a sense of inclusion. Imam Saeed Al-Mansoori of the Toronto Unity Mosque praised the meeting as “more than just symbolic — it is a clear sign of commitment.”
A National Issue, with Local Impact
Despite Canada’s multicultural image, Islamophobia has been on the rise in recent years. High-profile incidents, such as the 2021 attack on a Muslim family in London, Ontario, and the Quebec City mosque shooting in 2017, have left deep scars. A 2024 report by the Canadian Human Rights Watchdog noted a 38% increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes over the past two years.
Toronto, home to over 400,000 Muslims, has not been immune. Many young Muslims in the city describe facing discrimination in schools, workplaces, and even public transit. Fatima Rehman, a community organizer and educator, shared how Muslim students in her programs often report feeling unsafe or unwelcome.
“We’re tired of being told to ‘just ignore it’ or ‘keep our heads down,’” she said. “We need our leaders to acknowledge this issue and take action.”
Policy, Education, and Representation
The roundtable discussion produced several calls to action. Community leaders urged the city to expand anti-racism education in schools, increase funding for community centers, and ensure that law enforcement receives cultural sensitivity training.
In response, Mayor Chow pledged to work closely with the city council to allocate resources toward these goals. She also committed to establishing a permanent advisory committee on anti-Islamophobia, comprising members of Toronto’s diverse Muslim communities.
“It’s not enough to react to hate crimes after they happen,” she said. “We must be proactive in creating a city where every person, regardless of faith or background, feels safe and seen.”
The meeting concluded with a communal prayer and an invitation for continued collaboration between city officials and Muslim organizations.
Looking Forward
For many in attendance, the mayor’s hijab was not just a symbol — it was a statement.
“It showed she’s not just listening, but standing with us,” said youth activist Amina Zahra. “It gave me hope that change is possible.”
As Canada continues to grapple with its identity and values in a changing world, conversations like this one in Toronto may help pave the way toward a more inclusive and just future.
