Canada Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Freedom on International Day of Religious Freedom

October 27, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

In recognition of International Day of Religious Freedom, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Honourable Mélanie Joly, issued a statement underscoring Canada’s dedication to upholding religious freedom and fighting religious intolerance worldwide.

“Freedom of religion and freedom of belief are essential for building resilient, prosperous, and peaceful societies where all can succeed and feel welcome,” stated Minister Joly. “These are universal rights, embedded in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and they shape Canada’s international engagements.”

Amid rising global threats to these freedoms, Canada stands in solidarity with faith and belief communities, both domestically and internationally. Since 2020, Canada has contributed $1.75 million to the U.S. Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Fund, providing emergency aid to those affected by severe religious persecution. Canada also leads the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, an initiative addressing growing global restrictions on individual rights to worship and belief.

Minister Joly expressed deep concern over increasing antisemitism and Islamophobia, especially following the tragic events of October 7, 2023. Canada has seen a rise in violent incidents, hate crimes, and online hate speech. “Antisemitism is not a problem for the Jewish community to confront alone, just as Islamophobia is not a problem for only the Muslim community to confront,” Minister Joly emphasized. “Both forms of hatred undermine our shared values of respect, dignity, and dialogue.”

In response, Canada is expanding protections through the efforts of Deborah Lyons, Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, and Amira Elghawaby, Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia.

Minister Joly reiterated Canada’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of persecuted communities worldwide, stating, “Hatred and discrimination, including on the basis of religion or belief, have no place in Canada or in the world we want.”

Through sustained advocacy and action, Canada affirms its dedication to fostering a world where freedom of belief and mutual respect prevail.