Muslims in Canada: A growing community shaping the nation

As Canada’s Muslim population grows in size and influence, their story is one of resilience, diversity, and opportunity—a testament to the nation’s evolving multicultural identity

Muslim Network TV

OTTAWA, Canada (MNTV) – A recent report, Profile of Muslims in Canada: Challenges & Opportunities, published by Justice For All, highlights the remarkable growth, diversity, and challenges faced by Canadian Muslims.

The report draws extensively from Statistics Canada 2021 data and a January 6, 2025, publication by the Institute for Religious and Socio-Political Studies.

The latest 2021 Census data reveals significant growth in Canada’s Muslim population, which has now reached 1.77 million, representing 4.9% of the national population—an increase from 3.2% in 2011.

This demographic expansion highlights the evolving role of Muslims in Canada’s multicultural framework, with challenges and opportunities shaping their contributions to society.

The majority of Muslims reside in urban centers, with Ontario alone accounting for 53.1% of the population. Major hubs include the Greater Toronto Area, Montreal, Ottawa, and cities in Alberta.

While these provinces continue to host the largest Muslim communities, internal migration patterns are diversifying settlement areas, leading to emerging populations in regions like British Columbia and the Canadian North.

Notably, the Muslim population in the North has grown by an impressive 38.3% since 2011, reflecting the community’s increasing geographic reach.

Immigration remains the cornerstone of this growth, with 63.1% of Canadian Muslims born outside the country. South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa are the primary regions of origin, with Pakistan, Iran, Syria, and Bangladesh among the top source countries.

African-origin Muslims, comprising 29.1% of the immigrant Muslim population, predominantly hail from Morocco, Algeria, and Somalia. Smaller groups originate from South America, Europe, and Oceania, further enriching the community’s diversity.

This ethnic and cultural diversity is mirrored in language representation. Arabic is the most common mother tongue, followed by Urdu, Bengali, and Persian. Impressively, 95% of Canadian Muslims are bilingual in one or both of Canada’s official languages, reflecting their adaptability and integration into broader Canadian society.

Education and employment

Canadian Muslims are highly educated, with 60% of individuals over 15 holding post-secondary qualifications. This rate far exceeds the national average, underscoring the community’s intellectual and professional potential.

However, employment disparities persist. The unemployment rate among Muslims stands at 13.9%, higher than many other minority groups.

Wage gaps, hiring biases, and discriminatory practices in the workplace further exacerbate economic challenges. Alarmingly, only 62% of Canadian-born Muslim professionals are employed in their trained fields.

Housing discrimination and limited access to halal financing options compound economic struggles, particularly for larger Muslim families facing Canada’s high cost of living.

Amid these challenges, the halal food industry has emerged as a beacon of economic growth.

The Canadian Halal Food Market was valued at $10.39 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $18.34 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.90%.

Major retailers such as Walmart, Costco, and Sobeys have expanded their halal-certified product lines, catering to growing demand.

However, a 2014 survey revealed that 65% of halal consumers found current offerings insufficient, highlighting the potential for further market expansion.

Canada’s Muslim community is supported by a robust network of 755 mosques and Islamic centers as of December 2024.

Ontario, home to the largest Muslim population, houses over 100 mosques in Toronto alone.

Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver also host significant numbers of Islamic centers, reflecting the community’s continued growth and integration.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite their achievements, Canadian Muslims face systemic barriers, including Islamophobia, political underrepresentation, and cultural stereotyping.

These challenges limit their ability to fully participate in shaping policies and public perceptions. Housing discrimination, wage gaps, and underemployment remain significant hurdles.

However, the community’s resilience and adaptability shine through.

Youth empowerment initiatives, interfaith dialogues, and cultural exchanges underscore the community’s contributions to Canada’s multicultural landscape.

With a young population—31.5% of whom were born in Canada—the Muslim community is poised to play a pivotal role in the nation’s future.

The report emphasizes the importance of fostering unity within the Muslim community and addressing systemic barriers to ensure their equitable integration into Canadian society.

By leveraging their education, cultural diversity, and economic potential, Canadian Muslims are well-positioned to continue contributing meaningfully to the nation’s social and economic fabric.

As Canada’s Muslim population grows in size and influence, their story is one of resilience, diversity, and opportunity—a testament to the nation’s evolving multicultural identity.