Full Breakdown
Muslim Brotherhood-Linked Networks in Canada: Findings of a New ISGAP Report
8/25/2026, 10:04:02 PM
Core Findings of the ISGAP Report
The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) released a 200-page study titled *Assault on Democratic Values and Principles: How Islamist Entryism Weakens Civil Society and Higher Education in Canada*. It maps four interlocking domains—narrative development, institutional embedding, political mobilization, and legal-framework manipulation—that together create a coordinated transnational strategy.
Background & Context
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hasan al-Banna, is described by the U.S. Treasury Department as a global extremist movement; in early 2024 the Treasury designated Egyptian and Jordanian branches as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. ISGAP, which focuses on antisemitism and political Islam, has previously analyzed Islamist influence in Western democracies. The new Canadian study builds on earlier U.S. concerns about “red-green” alliances that combine radical left politics with Islamist activism.
Data & Statistics
- The report identifies roughly 425 organizations spanning communist groups, Muslim advocacy bodies, and anti-Israel activist coalitions.
- Collectively these groups generate an estimated $1 billion in annual revenue.
- A coordinated “Vote Palestine” effort secured endorsements from 344 candidates across four Canadian parties during the 2025 election cycle.
- The study highlights the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC), a Mississauga-based nonprofit that runs mosques, schools and community centres, as having “direct or indirect” ties to the Brotherhood.
- University case studies note C$3.8 million in Qatar-linked research funding at Waterloo and multiple joint programmes with Qatari institutions.
Official Statements & Responses
- Charles Asher Small, ISGAP’s executive director, said the findings are a warning sign for potential U.S. involvement.
- The Embassy of Canada in Washington declined to comment on the investigation.
Criticism & Opposition
The Muslim Association of Canada contended that the report amplifies “Islamophobia” and fuels division, arguing that MAC is “a solely independent Canadian organization.” It cited the CRA’s final conclusion, which found no basis to revoke MAC’s tax-exempt status, as evidence that the alleged ties lack substantiation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
ISGAP’s allegations contrast with the CRA’s audit outcome, which cleared MAC of wrongdoing. A 2025 review by Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Review Agency noted “a lack of rigor” in the CRA’s audit-selection process and warned of potential bias, but did not confirm illegal activity. The report’s claims about foreign-funded university programmes remain unverified by independent audits, leaving a gap between alleged financial influence and documented evidence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Canada's challenge is not simply the presence of individual extremist voices or isolated institutional weakness. The report maps how interconnected ideological networks acquire legitimacy, institutional access, public funding, political influence and protection from scrutiny,” — Charles Asher Small
- “The radical left wants to weaken Western or American hegemony, as does radical political Islam," Small explained.” — Charles Asher Small
What’s Next
ISGAP recommends that the Canadian government adopt stricter transparency rules for political advocacy, foreign funding, and organizational affiliations, and calls for coordinated monitoring with the United States. The institute urges policymakers to balance freedom of expression with safeguards against foreign-origin extremist ideologies.
