Since the October 7 attack by Hamas in southern Israel, Canada has experienced a significant increase in antisemitism and terrorism-related charges. Antisemitic incidents have surged by 670 percent in 2024, while terrorism charges have risen by 488 percent from April 2023 to March 2024. Experts attribute these alarming trends to the influence of Islamism, a belief system held by a small but impactful segment of Muslim communities.

Islamists advocate for the implementation of Sharia law and aim to Islamize various aspects of society, governance, and law. Scholars across disciplines, including history and security studies, view Islamism as a serious threat to the security and cultural integrity of Western nations with growing Muslim populations. However, the term "Islamism" has rarely been mentioned by former Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau or his potential successor, Mark Carney.

The Muslim Brotherhood is identified as a key organization promoting Islamism. Contrary to some beliefs, this group is not merely a conspiracy theory but a well-established entity with a global presence. The Sawab Center, a research organization focused on countering religious extremism, provides valuable insights into the Brotherhood's ideology, funding, and activities.

An internal document from the Brotherhood, discovered by the FBI during a 2008 trial related to terrorism financing, outlines its strategy for influencing Western societies. This document, titled "An Explanatory Memorandum for the MB’s Goals in North America," emphasizes the use of democratic processes to achieve its objectives, contrasting with the violent tactics employed by groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS.

The memo highlights that the Brotherhood's approach in the West relies on subtlety and persuasion rather than overt violence. Advocates for the Brotherhood often present themselves as moderate voices, making it easier for them to gain acceptance in public discourse. For instance, Linda Sarsour, a prominent figure associated with the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), recently noted the organization's significant financial contributions to political action committees in the U.S.

In Canada, a 2011 survey by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute revealed that while many Canadian Muslims disapprove of Al Qaeda, there is moderate approval for other groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as the Muslim Brotherhood. However, the survey's limited sample size makes it difficult to draw broad conclusions about the entire population.

Security analyst Joe Adam George has pointed out that Islamist groups are increasingly working to consolidate their influence over Muslim voters in Canada. With the Muslim population having doubled since 2001, they now represent approximately 4.9 percent of the total population and could sway outcomes in 60 to 80 of the 343 federal ridings.

Warnings about the dangers of Islamism have been voiced for decades. In a 1998 Senate committee hearing, Ward Elcock, former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), cautioned that Canada must not inadvertently become a supporter of terrorism. Despite these warnings, the issue has often been overlooked until recent events brought it to the forefront.

The rise of Islamism has led to public demonstrations and calls for action, yet many citizens feel their concerns are dismissed. The lack of comprehensive government reports addressing the issue of Islamism contrasts sharply with findings from other Western nations, where studies have highlighted the threats posed by the Muslim Brotherhood.

For example, a 2016 report from the U.K. House of Commons identified aspects of Brotherhood ideology as contrary to national interests. Similarly, a 2021 report from a Swedish Member of the European Parliament described the Brotherhood as a significant challenge to European values.

In France, a 2025 internal security report warned of the Brotherhood's infiltration of institutions, which threatens the country's secularism and national cohesion. Experts believe that Canada could face similar challenges if the government does not address the issue.

Independent researchers, such as those at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, continue to investigate the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in Canada. Joe Adam George, a national security analyst, has highlighted that Canada’s environment, characterized by a fragile national identity and unchecked immigration, has become conducive to Islamist expansion.

George argues that Canada has become a focal point for Islamist operations, including campaigns to criminalize criticism of Islam and the indoctrination of youth. In contrast, there is bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, reflecting a growing concern about the implications of Canada’s inaction on this front.

Recent statements from CSIS indicate that nearly one in ten terrorism investigations now involves minors, underscoring the urgency of addressing youth radicalization and the influence of "white-collar" Islamist extremism. This form of extremism is characterized by influential individuals who support extremist views while maintaining a facade of moderation to avoid scrutiny.

As Canada grapples with these challenges, the need for a comprehensive and open discussion about Islamism and its implications for national security and cultural integrity becomes increasingly critical.