Takeesha Thomas
Mr.Paulk
Introduction to World Religion
16 May 2013
A leap for some faiths, but many Canadians are losing their religion
Dakshana Bascaramurty, Glory Galloway & Les Perreaux (“The Globe and Mail,” May 8, 2013). Brampton is located west of Toronto, which is known to have one of the largest Muslim population and increasing. In 2011, the National Household Survey released data that identified 3.2 percent of the Canadians residents as Muslim, with two percent of the population increasing since 2001. The younger Muslim make up only 60% and increasing slowly in the population. Before 1971, there were 2.9 percent immigrants that resided in Canada and 33 percent resided between 2001 and 2011. Even though the population for Muslim, Hindu, Buddhists and Sikh religion are increasing, there are still 24 percent of the population that do not belong in any form of religion. The Christian and religion are decreasing slowly in Canada. But that did not stop Mariam Butt who is a residence of Brampton. She began practicing her faith at the age of 17. Living as a Muslim in Brampton made it easier for Mariam to practicing her faith. She stated, “When I did start practicing I was comfortable because everyone was your own in a way so you weren’t judged as much.” The director of the Centre for Studios in Religion and Society at the University of Victoria, Paul Bramadat, agree that the Christianity faith is slowly decreasing and the other religion are slowly increasing, but Canada’s outlook was totally false. He believes that the growth of the Muslim’s Community developed much sooner than the survey reported. Dr. Bramadat believes that some of the data collected during their census maybe incorrect, which may have caused their numbers to be incorrect in there data report. He also, noticed that the numbers in the aboriginal population came up short. He states, “In my view that 4.5 figure is extremely low,” he says, “And probably is a good illustration of the shortcomings of this census.” Even though, the Muslim in Brampton are finding it easier to practice their faith, the Catholic has found it hard to continue since the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s. In 2001, there were 83 percent of Quebeckers that identified themselves as Catholic. In 1990, Raymond Lemieux, who is a sociologist, developed an idea about Quebeckers. He states, “Quebeckers are Christian in spite of themselves.” Even though Raymond Lemieux wanted to label the Quebeckers a Christian, there are still 74 percent, who still portray themselves as Catholic, after 11 percent decrease. This article had a social and political impact of the people of Brampton. Since the town of Brampton was mainly Muslim it made it easier for the people of the town to worship. Based on the increase of the Muslim population the practicing of this religion would be around in the near future, but it also effects the population of other religion that are practice in the town. Politically the people of Brampton did not make a big deal when it came to the Muslim worshiping. But many people may feel that they are giving special treatment because they are Muslim. Some may feel that their faith is just as important to them just as Muslim faith is to them. When it comes to religion there are some many beliefs that interest people, that we must remain positive no matter what the situation maybe. There will come a time where we have to interact with people of different belief. We must remember not judge one, but respect one. There are times when it seems that one religion is increasing and another is decreasing, but that is acceptable.