B.C., Alberta public hearings for Islamophobia study set for next week

Members of Muslim communities in B.C. and Alberta are being invited to share their thoughts and experiences as part of a federal study on Islamophobia in Canada.

The Senate Committee on Human Rights is holding two public hearings — one in each province. They are set to take place in Vancouver and Edmonton next week.

In addition to hearing from local Muslims about their experiences, the hearings will also welcome experts who focus on Islamophobia.

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“The hearings will be open to the public, with limited space. After the scheduled witnesses have testified, the committee may hear short interventions from members of the public who wish to address the committee,” an advisory from the Senate Committee reads.

The federal study began in June. In addition to looking at the sources of Islamophobia, the study is looking at its effects on people, and incidents of violence, discrimination, and online hate targeting Muslims.

The Senate of Canada says so far there have been two meetings on the topic — both in June.

The public hearing in Vancouver will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Wall Centre.

The hearing in Edmonton is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 8, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sandman Signature downtown.

All times are local.