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Islamist strategy has become “entrenched” in Canadian society, experts warn

Melanie Bennet
Exigent Witness Fellow
Journalist/Juno News
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Juno News

Aug 24, 2026
Article
topics
Extremism & Radicalization
Western Values & Democratic Norms
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Context

Juno News reporter Melanie Bennet examines an ISGAP report alleging that Muslim Brotherhood-aligned networks have pursued a long-term strategy of entrenchment across Canadian government, electoral politics, charities, universities, advocacy groups, and professional networks. ISGAP vice-president Haras Rafiq distinguishes Islam from Islamism: a political ideology seeking to shape law, government, and society through a religious-political framework. The report identifies tamkeen—the gradual accumulation of institutional influence—as central to a strategy operating through public legitimacy, political relationships, funding, education, and narrative control rather than direct confrontation.

Key Insight

The report’s central warning is that an anti-democratic ideology can gain power without openly seizing institutions. By shaping language, policy, education, funding, and political relationships—and by making scrutiny reputationally or legally costly—Islamist networks may influence how Canadian institutions operate while avoiding the accountability applied to more visible forms of extremism.

Implications For Canadians

For Canadians, this could affect what children are taught, which voices are welcome on campuses, which organizations receive public funding, and whether authorities confront extremism consistently. It may threaten women, LGBTQ people, religious minorities, dissidents, and Muslims who reject Islamist politics, while chilling speech, deepening polarization, and weakening confidence in Canadian institutions and law.

Related Topics

Islamist strategy has become “entrenched” in Canadian society, experts warn

Melanie Bennet
Aug 24, 2026
Juno News
Extremism & Radicalization
Western Values & Democratic Norms
Juno News reporter Melanie Bennet examines an ISGAP report alleging that Muslim Brotherhood-aligned networks have pursued a long-term strategy of entrenchment across Canadian government, electoral politics, charities, universities, advocacy groups, and professional networks.
Canadian police and demonstrators during a public protest in Ottawa reflecting tensions surrounding democratic expression and civic discourse

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