April is Arab heritage month. Members with Arab heritage, we salute you and appreciate your contributions!
To other members: how well do you know the role of Arab heritage in making up our workforce and our country?
Almost one million Canadians have Arab descent, living mostly in Quebec and Ontario. Nearly two-thirds are first-generation while almost another third are second-generation. Therefore, many deal with anti-Arab racism while also facing anti-immigration views. Some also face linguistic obstacles or barriers to accessing the job market.
Many people of Arab heritage are also targeted by Islamophobia. While only about half of Arab-Canadians are Muslim, bigotry and hate are not usually deterred by facts.
As war continues in Gaza, Yemen, Lebanon, and neighbours of Iran, many Arab-Canadians are vocal and active in trying to end these conflicts.
We wish peace and well-being to our members and everyone with Arab heritage. For those who wish to learn more: A coalition of organizations has commissioned studies on Anti-Arab racism in Canada Marginalized and Misunderstood: Survey on Attitudes on Arabs and Anti-Arab Racism in Canada
