Muslim Brotherhood networks embedded into Canadian politics, schools, report says
The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) claims in a new 200-page report that Muslim Brotherhood-aligned networks in Canada are part of a coordinated strategy to build influence across government, civil society and higher education. ISGAP focuses on antisemitism and extremism and has published research on political Islam and foreign influence.
The report says the networks operate through four connected areas: shaping narratives about Islam, Islamism, Israel and Islamophobia; embedding themselves in mosques, charities, schools, universities, advocacy groups and professional networks; political mobilization and policy influence; and what ISGAP calls “legal framework manipulation,” including litigation and reputational pressure. It stresses that its focus is Islamism as a political ideology, not Islam or Canadian Muslims generally.
Higher education is a major focus. ISGAP cites the University of Toronto, York University, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and the University of Waterloo, raising concerns about foreign funding, research disclosures, dual-use research and campus political activity. It calls UofT a “central node” for anti-Israel narratives, noting Israeli Apartheid Week began there and that it hosted one of North America’s largest post-Oct. 7 encampments.
The report highlights links among the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA), Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), as well as support from American Muslims for Palestine (AMP). It notes the MSA was established by Muslim Brotherhood members and associates in 1963 and is referenced in the Brotherhood’s 1991 Explanatory Memorandum.
ISGAP also highlights Qatari-linked research at UofT, TMU’s agreement with Qatar-owned University of Doha for Science and Technology, and more than C$3.8 million in Qatari state-linked research funding at Waterloo.
The report argues that political mobilization around Israel and the Palestinian issue has become a major avenue for influence, while concerns about Islamophobia have sometimes been used to resist scrutiny. It cites the CRA’s audit of the Muslim Association of Canada but also acknowledges a 2025 review finding weaknesses and potential bias in the CRA’s audit-selection process involving Muslim charities.
ISGAP recommends greater transparency regarding political advocacy, foreign funding and organizational affiliations, and calls for Canada to coordinate with the U.S. government against what it describes as Muslim Brotherhood-linked “entryism.”
ISGAP Executive Director Dr. Charles Asher Small said the report shows how interconnected ideological networks can gain institutional access, public funding and political influence, arguing that Canada needs greater transparency, due diligence and national security enforcement.
