How Anti-Terrorism Laws in Canada Affect Muslim Communities

In our current society, there is a growing number of instances where marginalized groups experience discrimination, unnecessary surveillance, and unwarranted violence or detainment by those in positions of authority due to their racial backgrounds or the faith they practice. This article explores why Muslim communities are treated differently in matters of societal safety and security and focuses on the mistreatments that this community has faced due to the introduction of Bill C-51, The Anti-terrorism Act, and its updated version Bill C-59, An Act Respecting National Security Matters. The origins of expansive anti-terrorism legislation in Canada dates back to policymakers with Islamophobic agendas and stereotypical narratives. It will be shown that due to Bill C-59, the increased powers of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), and the creation of a no-fly list there has been an increase in surveillance, racial profiling, and disproportionate mistreatments of Muslim communities, especially in airports