Expanding the Role of the Canadian Muslim Community

In the last few years Canadian Muslims have responded in unprecedented numbers to both natural and human made disasters in the Muslim world. These catastrophes have mobilized large numbers of people to contribute to relief aid. On the other hand, the international attention, and human and financial resources were diverted from countries where underdevelopment and poverty are the cause of a continuum of death, disease and suffering. This state of affairs is all the more poignant, considering that very small amounts of finances and resources are needed to help prevent widespread death and disease, and alleviate much suffering.

In an effort to focus the attention of the Muslim community on this phenomenon and to encourage greater commitment to addressing the underlying causes of poverty, IDRF organized a series of Regional Consultations, with the help of Regional Representatives, and the financial support of CIDA.

The consultations, based on the theme: "Moving Beyond Relief: Expanding the Role of Canadian Muslim Community", began in April 2001 and were held with significant success in a number of cities across Canada: Montreal (Quebec), Toronto (Ontario), Calgary (Alberta), Saskatoon (Saskatchewan), Moncton (New Brunswick), and Halifax (Nova Scotia).

A final wrap-up session, held in Toronto in October 2001, brought together the IDRF Board, Staff, Committees members with the participating Regional Representatives.