Violence in Ontario During Ramadan Has Impact in Nova Scotia

Mar 26, 2025

A recent act of violence against a hijab wearing Islamic woman at a library in Ontario has impacted the local Muslim community. The Commission has learned that community members are shocked and becoming desensitized to examples of Islamophobic hate in the media.

The incident in Ajax occurred in the final week of Ramadan, a sacred month in Islam. At a time when international conflict has drawn divisions worldwide every act of hatred and violence against Muslims is causing real harm in Nova Scotia. Relating to the experiences of the victim shocked the local Muslim community and it is our obligation as Nova Scotians to demonstrate that no one should fear for their safety here because of who they are.

Everyday examples of privileged aggressions being experienced by Muslims locally include being spit on, hijabs being pulled, bus drivers not stopping for women wearing hijabs and being told to go back to your country. The impact of these acts are traumatic and devastating on individuals and communities.

Religion is a protected characteristic under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, making it unlawful to discriminate against anyone based on their religious beliefs. Anyone believing they have been discriminated based on their religion should contact the Commission.

While it is illegal to discriminate, any act of violence or intimidation against someone based on a characteristic like religious belief would be a criminal act. If anyone believes they have been the target of a hate crime or incident they should contact their local police immediately.

Reporting acts of Islamophobia is critical to ensure data reflects the realities of those experiencing such harms. The National Council for Canadian Muslims is asking that people report their experiences via an online portal.

Divisive public discourse emboldens people to act on their biases and anger based on stereotypes and misinformation. Awareness and understanding of one another’s inherent human rights can be an antidote to othering and any hate-induced fear for one’s safety. The right to dignity and belonging is central to creating safe, welcoming communities. I hope Nova Scotians will stand up for one another and declare that there is no place for Islamophobia in this province.

The preceding is a statement from Shruti Gola Taraschi-Carr, Director, Race Relations, Equity and Inclusion at the Human Rights Commission.

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