“These are critical times”: Combating radicalization in Saskatchewan

REGINA – Muslims in Saskatchewan are working with community leaders to be proactive in combating radicalization.

As incidents of extremist-motivated attacks become more common, like the Parliament Hill shooting in October 2014, communities across the country are taking threats more seriously.

The Islamic Association of Saskatchewan held a workshop with different community leaders on Monday.

“Even though it hasn’t happened we still want to be proactive and say, listen, we have to protect our youth and teach them what Islam really says about peace,” said Zarqa Nawaz with the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan.

Shahina Siddiqui with the Islamic Social Services Association said terrorists groups are manipulative in appealing to youth, citing tools like social media.

“They feel so helpless when they see suffering in Muslim countries whether it’s conflict of war or civil war you name it, they want to do something,” she explained. “If we don’t give them a constructive way to responding guess what they’ll do? They’ll go on the web and find something else.”

In an effort to protect those most vulnerable, community leaders are working with law enforcement to identify warnings signs and find ways to prevent radicalization.

“We don’t want to hide our heads in the sands, these are critical times,” said Siddiqui.

Sgt. Will Hayden with the Regina Police Service Cultural and Diversity Unit said it’s important for youth to have the ability to voice their concerns or confusions.

“They might have it where they’re not comfortable speaking to police,” he said. “We build that trust and from there we can work together to resolve some of the issues brought to our attention.”

Members of the RCMP and University of Regina’s Muslim Students’ Association also took part in Monday’s workshop.