CANADA, April 4, 2017 (Angus Reid Institute): Canada is often held up as the paragon of a diverse society. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has proclaimed that “diversity is Canada’s strength.” A new study from the Angus Reid Institute finds not only support for, but also limitations to that narrative when it comes to both faith and the visible role of religious symbols in society.
While a strong majority of Canadians are inclined to view the Christian and Buddhist religions favorably, a number of other faiths are viewed with more skepticism. Islam itself is viewed unfavorably by almost half of Canadians (46%). Though the percentage of Quebec residents saying they hold a favorable view of Islam has doubled since 2009 from 15% to 32%. Views of four other religions, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism, have all increased in favorability over that time in the belle province.
Canada’s religious landscape is changing. Before 1971, just 2.9% of those who immigrated to this country said they followed either Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism. Between 2001 and 2011 that number jumped to one-in-three (33%). Thus, Canadians are increasingly encountering different perspectives in their day-to-day lives. While multiculturalism has been Canada’s official policy since 1971, recent research indicates that many hope to see new immigrants do more to integrate in what they would consider “mainstream” Canadian society.
A further breakdown in favorability and attitudes toward Hindus in comparison to other religions can be viewed at “source” above.