Description

Immigration to Canada has always raised questions about how society achieves a greater degree of unity, or integration, in the context of religious diversity. Recent polling reports that religious communities play a key role in the process of integration within Canadian society, by serving as a cultural bridge and offering social and spiritual support to newcomers. However, religion is also a focus point of reactionary forces in society, as national debates around accommodation, education, and schooling become inflamed by local events. These debates are often framed around competing rights claims. What is the role of human rights law and language, including around religious freedom, and what are its limits? What is the role of religious groups and communities in helping to foster understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect? To what extent, if at all, should the government become involved in regulating religious diversity?
Panelists:
Dr. Andrew Parkin, Executive Director at Environics Institute for Survey Research
Dr. Shaheen Azmi, Director of Policy Education Monitoring and Outreach for the Ontario Human Rights Commission
Dr. Shari Golberg, Senior Policy Advisor, OPS Inclusive Diversity Office, Treasury Board Secretariat
This seminar series explores the role of religion in migration to Canada, with regard to settlement and integration, accommodation and reaction, and citizenship and participation. Each seminar brings together scholars and practitioners to discuss the ways in which religious belief and practice, religious community life, and religious institutions influence migrant pathways to participation in Canadian life and society. This seminar series is organized in partnership with the Global Migration Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the Baha’i Community of Canada and the University of Toronto Multi-Faith Centre.