Muslim Brotherhood And Qatar Establish Broad Network Across Canada, Report Finds

WINNIPEG — A comprehensive report released this week documents how the Muslim Brotherhood and the State of Qatar have built a multi-layered network of affiliated organizations across Canada over several decades.

The study, compiled by the Institute for Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, identifies at least a dozen national and provincial bodies linked to Brotherhood ideology. These include:

1. Muslim Association of Canada (MAC)
2. National Council of Canadian Muslims (formerly CAIR-CAN)
3. Islamic Relief Canada
4. Federation of Muslim Associations of Canada (Ontario)
5. Muslim Canadian Congress
6. Muslim Students’ Association chapters at McGill, Toronto, York, and Concordia
7. Canadian Federation of Muslim Women
8. Muslim Council of Montreal
9. Alberta Muslim Public Affairs Council
10. Saskatchewan Islamic Shia Council
11. Manitoba Islamic Association
12. New Brunswick Islamic Council.

Audit records obtained by Global News show Canada Revenue Agency probes into major charities, including the Muslim Association of Canada, over alleged ties to Hamas financiers. In one case, CRA auditors alleged that directors facilitated transfers to overseas Brotherhood-linked networks.

Qatar’s role extends beyond direct grants. Counter Extremism Project analysis notes that the Qatari government and its semi-official charity, Qatar Charity, channel funds to Brotherhood causes worldwide and provide platforms through Al Jazeera to promote Islamist narratives. A parliamentary committee report in the United Kingdom described Qatar Charity as “quasi-governmental” and central to the Brotherhood’s global financial network.

Experts warn that the Canadian network’s reach spans community centres, university chaplaincies, and advocacy coalitions. “These groups have cultivated legitimate partnerships in academia and politics,” said Dr. Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “Their Qatari backing gives them resources to influence public discourse.”

Canada’s security agencies have monitored Islamist extremism but have not formally designated the Brotherhood as a terrorist entity. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s 2024 public report flagged political Islam’s rise, yet noted legal constraints on targeting non-violent organizations.

Jewish and pro-Israel leaders are calling for stronger measures. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs urged Ottawa to tighten registration requirements for charities and increase transparency of foreign funding.

“We must ensure no foreign regime can quietly shape Canadian institutions to threaten Jewish safety or democratic values.”

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has signalled a review of money-laundering and anti-terror financing laws this fall. Observers say any new rules should close loopholes that allow state-linked entities to fund ideologically driven networks under charitable cover.

This article is based on verified information from the Institute for Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, Counter Extremism Project, Global News, Canada Revenue Agency audit documents, and the UK Parliament’s committee reports.