Report Alleges Muslim Brotherhood Infiltration of Canadian Institutions
A new study claims transnational ideological influence is reshaping Canadian universities and non-profits.
1Report Claims Institutional Infiltration
The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy released a 200-page study alleging the Muslim Brotherhood is infiltrating Canadian institutions. The report frames this as a transnational ideological strategy, suggesting that various non-profits and universities are being used to promote specific political agendas under the guise of inclusivity and advocacy.
2Mechanism of Entryism Strategy
The study defines the group's primary tactic as entryism, the process of changing cultural, governmental, or educational institutions from within. Researchers argue that Canada’s multicultural ideals and immigration policies make it particularly susceptible to these efforts, allowing the movement to embed pro-Islamist values into the fabric of Canadian public life.
3Targeting Federal Electoral Ridings
ISGAP alleges that groups like the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council and The Canadian-Muslim Vote mobilize voting bases in 60 to 80 federal constituencies. The report claims these organizations back candidates based on specific positions regarding Palestine and Islamophobia, aiming to influence political outcomes in areas where the Muslim population is decisive.
4Leadership and Organizational Ties
The report highlights that Khaled al-Qazzaz, executive director of CMPAC, previously served as foreign affairs secretary to former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi. Al-Qazzaz was a leader in the Brotherhood’s political arm in Egypt during 2011 and 2012, later spending nine months in Tora Prison before returning to Canada in 2016.
5Legal Responses to Allegations
The Canadian-Muslim Vote has issued a Notice of Libel to ISGAP, seeking a retraction and apology for the report's assertions. Their legal representative stated that the organization is non-partisan and does not endorse parties or lobby politicians, characterizing the report as inflammatory and defamatory in its claims regarding their electoral activities.
6University Research Funding Scrutiny
The report identifies the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and Toronto Metropolitan University as having limited disclosure regarding foreign funding. It specifically points to Qatari financing through the Qatar National Research Fund, which has backed projects in strategic fields like smart grids, carbon systems, and secure communications at these institutions.
7Institutional Defense of Integrity
The University of Toronto confirmed receiving $1.76 million in QNRF grants over the last decade, representing 0.01 percent of its $13.3 billion total funding. The university maintains that it is not subject to foreign influence and that all research partnerships strictly comply with Canadian laws and institutional academic integrity policies.
8University of Waterloo Response
The University of Waterloo acknowledged receiving $3.8 million from Qatari backers for five projects. A spokesperson stated the institution has not independently verified ISGAP’s claims but emphasized that it remains committed to safeguarding research and strictly complies with all Canadian government research security requirements regarding international partnerships and funding disclosures.
9CRA Audit of MAC
A preliminary Canada Revenue Agency audit of the Muslim Association of Canada alleged that some activities appeared to further the Muslim Brotherhood’s goals. The agency noted that MAC’s real estate holdings grew from $12 million to $51 million between 2006 and 2015, questioning the non-charitable nature of these significant financial expansions.
10MAC Rebuttal to Findings
The Muslim Association of Canada dismissed the ISGAP report as recycled Islamophobic tropes and a biased hit piece. They stated that the CRA’s initial allegations regarding Brotherhood ties were dismissed in the final conclusion of the audit, and the organization continues to operate as a registered charity within Canada today.
11Policy Recommendations for Oversight
ISGAP advocates for significant policy changes, including increased oversight of academic partnerships with foreign entities and expanded powers for financial auditors to review charities. The report suggests that Canada remains culturally blind to these geopolitical aims, largely because the general population is unfamiliar with the Brotherhood’s strategic and philosophical underpinnings.
12Complexity of Political Designation
Canadian lawmakers face ongoing pressure to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, similar to actions taken by Egypt and Saudi Arabia. However, experts note that the government has not acted because it is difficult to differentiate between the mandates and activities of various global chapters of the movement.