Muslims Contribute Greatly to Society: Canadian PM
“Canada is fortunate to have a vibrant Muslim Community in Canada,” said Prime Minister Trudeau in his special video message to the gathering.
“Over the years, Muslim Canadians have thrived and greatly contributed to Canadian society, all the while maintaining important traditional connections to their homelands that have uniquely shaped the community’s rich cultural heritage.”
Muslims started arriving in Toronto from across North America and around the world on Friday for the annual convention being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the heart of the city’s downtown core.
Despite the snowy conditions in the city, thousands of people came out for the first day of the convention that is scheduled to run over the weekend.
“As we gather here this weekend, we celebrate and reflect on the diversity that is a source of strength for Canadians,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
“Our ethnic, religious and racial diversity is part of what makes us uniquely Canadian and allows us all to prosper in our open and inclusive society.”
Themed ‘Finding Stability in a World Out of Balance’, the convention began at noon with the weekly congregational prayers (Salaatul Jumuah).
Founded as a youth initiative over fifteen years ago, the convention strives to address issues pertinent to Western Muslims and inculcate a strong identity, which is centered on the peaceful practice of faith and making positive contributions to society.
Canada is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations with a population of 35 million.
While the majority of Canadians are Christians, the country has no official religion and support for religious pluralism and freedom of religion is an important part of the country’s political culture.
Muslims are the fastest growing religious community in Canada, according to the country’s statistical agency, Statistics Canada.
Canada’s Muslim population increased by 82 percent over the past decade to more than 1 million in 2011. Muslims now represent 3.2 percent of Canada’s total population.
Source: AboutIslam
