ABOUT US

Fighting for a world Free from islamophobia.

From legal battles to policy reform, we are committed to ensuring Islamophobia has no place in our society. We stand against racism, challenge systemic discrimination, and work for a Canada where no one fears for their safety because of their faith.

OUR STORY

VISION/MISSION/VALUES

Change begins with one bold action. Ours started over two decades ago. In 2000, a small group of brave Canadian Muslims in Montreal and Ottawa decided to challenge Islamophobia. Since then, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) has become Canada’s largest Muslim advocacy and lobby organization.

We are an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization combating Islamophobia and protecting civil liberties at every level.
NCCM engages in policy advocacy, public education, legal actions, and community engagement to build a more inclusive society.

Where does the strength to take on injustice and discrimination come from? It comes from the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who stand for what is just and right. Above all, it comes from the mercy of the Merciful.

“When truth is hurled against falsehood, falsehood vanishes, for falsehood is by its nature bound to vanish.”

From fighting discriminatory laws like Bill 21 in the Supreme Court to protecting schools and mosques and advocating for Palestinians and Uyghur Muslims, we are taking action to rid the world of Islamophobia.

Today, NCCM has more than 200,000 supporters, advocates from coast to coast, and offices nationwide, fighting abuse, systemic racism, and Islamophobia. We are vigorously defending the right of people to be who they are and to worship as they choose to worship.

What a group of dreamers and idealists started has turned into a powerful voice fighting for Muslims’ rights nationally and globally. Join this journey to end hate in the world.

VISION/MISSION/VALUES

VISION 

NCCM envisions a Canada where Muslims are fully engaged, empowered, and recognized as a driving force for positive change.

MISSION 

Our mission is to protect human rights & civil liberties and dismantle Islamophobia through advocacy.

VALUES 

We believe in a Canada where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
We stand for civil liberties, justice, inclusivity, and active citizenship.
We believe in empowering grassroots Muslim communities to create meaningful change together.

OUR HISTORY

WHO WE ARE

MISSION

Our mission is to protect human rights and civil liberties, challenge discrimination and Islamophobia, foster understanding, and advocate for the concerns of Canadian Muslims.

VISION

NCCM envisions a Canada where Muslims are fully engaged, empowered, and recognized as a driving force for positive change.

VALUES

We believe in a Canada where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We stand for civil liberties, justice, inclusivity, and active citizenship, empowering Muslim communities to raise their voices, fight for their rights, and create meaningful change together.

MEet the team advocating for your rights everyday!

A team with the courage to confront injustice and the power to change. As legal experts, organizers, and advocates, we fight Islamophobia, shape policy, and amplify voices—all in pursuit of justice.

Stephen Brown

Chief Executive Officer

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Stephen Brown

Chief Executive Officer

Stephen Brown is the CEO of the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM). He is a well-known leader and community organizer with decades of experience in the private sector, in organized labour, and in human rights advocacy.

Stephen started his career as a continual improvement professional in the manufacturing sector. He returned to university to earn his Commerce degree in business technology management at Concordia University in Montreal, where he joined the student movement and became the director of the Concordia Student Union Advocacy Centre. There he founded the office for graduate students, managed operations, and advised student leaders on student rights and academic issues.

After starting his own tech start-up that he ran for a number of years, Stephen went on to become an organizer for one of the largest labour unions in Canada, where he dealt with accreditation cases and organized tens of thousands of workers where he managed labour relations, negotiated collective agreements, and took on grievances and health & safety cases. Stephen held consecutive mandates as the head labour representative for large locals in the healthcare and municipal sectors where he led teams of litigators, lawyers, and pension fund specialists.

Stephen comes from an Afro-Canadian family that was active during the civil rights movement.

Stephen has been a long-standing leader within the Quebec Muslim community, working to promote human rights, interfaith dialogue, and Muslim youth initiatives as well as helping community groups to develop various advocacy initiatives and implement best practices. A prolific speaker, his writings have been published in various news media and he has been a commentator on public policy matters including Bill 21, civil liberties and Islamophobia, and Muslims in Quebec.
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Omar Khamissa

Chief Operating Officer

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Omar Khamissa

Chief Operating Officer

Omar Khamissa is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), where he plays a key role in leading efforts to combat Islamophobia and protect the civil liberties of Canadian Muslims. His work focuses on mobilizing communities, advocating for systemic reform, and engaging policymakers on issues of equity and inclusion. Omar’s first passion has always been the community, and he remains dedicated to being a strong voice for Canadian Muslims.

Raised in Aurora, Ontario, Omar has been involved in community service since his teens, leading youth engagement and mosque fundraising initiatives. After earning a degree in Economics from the University of Waterloo, he pursued a successful career in the private sector as a Sales Director before dedicating himself full-time to advocacy. Omar previously served as NCCM’s Community Engagement Officer for the GTA and Director of Community Engagement.

Omar’s leadership has been transformational, spearheading national campaigns that challenge systemic Islamophobia and promote inclusion. His deep commitment to community organizing has solidified his place as one of Canada’s most influential advocates. Alongside his advocacy, Omar has built a thriving social media presence, where he leverages his platform to engage with and mobilize communities across the country.
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Aasiyah Khan

VP of Education

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Aasiyah Khan

VP of Education

Aasiyah Khan serves as the Vice President of Education at the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), a human rights and civil liberties organization dedicated to challenging Islamophobia and hate across Canada. Widely recognized as a leader in anti-Islamophobia education and advocacy, she oversees the development and delivery of initiatives that empower communities and foster inclusive learning environments.

Over the past six years, Aasiyah has designed and facilitated anti-Islamophobia training programs for more than 10,000 educators, students, and community members. She also contributed to the Peel District School Board’s groundbreaking anti-Islamophobia strategy—the first of its kind in North America—and continues to collaborate with other school boards and institutions to shape policies and strategies that address systemic discrimination.

With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work, Aasiyah’s work is firmly rooted in anti-oppressive practice. She led a research project that amplified the voices of young Muslim women in the Greater Toronto Area, highlighting both the impact of Islamophobia and the resilience within these communities. Through her role at NCCM, Aasiyah remains committed to creating transformative change in educational settings and advocating for equity and justice across Canada.
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Zubair Qasim

VP of Strategy And Development

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Zubair Qasim

VP of Strategy And Development

Zubair has over 15 years of experience as a seasoned leader in the non-profit and charity sector, specializing in the Muslim community. Though his focus has been within Canada, he also brings a significant level of international experience as well.

As a founding member of multiple impactful initiatives such as National Zakat Foundation Canada, Nisa Foundation, Nisa Helpline, Nisa Homes, and others, Zubair has played a pivotal role in shaping the Canadian Muslim community’s support infrastructure. His nine-year tenure as CEO of National Zakat Foundation Canada reflects his commitment to empowering and uplifting the community.

Zubair’s leadership also extends beyond executive roles, as he actively contributes to the boards of National Zakat Foundation and Nisa Foundation, channeling his passion for fostering positive change and growth within the Muslim community in Canada.
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Nusaiba Al-Azem

Director of Legal Affairs

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Nusaiba Al-Azem

Director of Legal Affairs

Since her formative years, Nusaiba has demonstrated keen interest and involvement in social justice issues, in particular pertaining to Muslim communities. As a registered social worker, she holds a BSW from King’s University College, where she gained experienced in both individual counselling and community development work.

Nusaiba received her Juris Doctor from Western Law, where she was the recipient of the Margaret H. McNulty Prize awarded to a student who shows great promise and where she obtained a Certificate of Mediation from the Dispute Resolution Centre. She graduated with distinction and was honoured to receive the Law Society of Upper Canada Prize for academic achievement. Following her call to the bar, Nusaiba practiced as a corporate and commercial lawyer before transitioning into human rights based and advocacy work at NCCM.

As NCCM’s Director of Legal Affairs, Nusaiba is responsible for helping community members seeking legal assistance in matters related to Islamophobia, hate and discrimination and for developing legal and policy solutions for a more just and inclusive Canada.
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ANY QUESTIONS?
WE GOT YOU.

You may have questions about our fight against racism and Islamophobia, our advocacy for justice, or how you can be part of the change. Whether it’s our legal actions, policy impact, or ways to get involved, we’ve got the answers you need.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization dedicated to protecting civil liberties, advocating for human rights, and combating Islamophobia in Canada. NCCM works through policy advocacy, public education, legal support, and community engagement to build a more inclusive society.

We are the largest Muslim advocacy and lobby organization in Canada.

NCCM focuses on a wide range of initiatives, including:

  • Advocating for policy changes to protect the rights of Muslims and other marginalized communities.
  • Providing legal support to individuals facing discrimination or hate crimes.
  • Educating the public and stakeholders about Islamophobia and systemic discrimination.
  • Engaging with government officials, media, and community leaders to promote inclusion and justice.

With rising hate crimes and discrimination, NCCM’s work is crucial in protecting civil rights, advocating for justice, and ensuring that Canadian Muslims have a strong and unified voice in policy and public discourse. Our efforts contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all Canadians.

Learn more about the NCCM staff, who fight against Islamophobia, stand in solidarity with affected communities, and fight for our civil liberties. Click here. 

  • NCCM has several current action alerts that help you push on a range of important issues. You can also join our team and help us advocate on the key issues.
  • If you want to volunteer – whether as a fundraiser, a community organizer, or a student – sign up below!
  • If you want to report an incident, fill out an Incident Report Form below. Our team will connect and support you with wrap-around services.
  • Action requires resources. Donate today to help us keep fighting for Muslims.

NCCM offers legal assistance and advocacy for individuals who have experienced Islamophobic incidents, discrimination, or hate crimes. We also provide educational resources to empower communities and work with policymakers to address systemic issues that contribute to Islamophobia.

NCCM has worked on hundreds of impactful campaigns. Here are just a few recent examples:

  • Fighting for justice in cases of racial and religious discrimination.
  • Advocating for stronger laws against hate speech and violence.
  • Calling for government accountability on human rights issues, including Palestinian human rights and policies in Quebec.
  • Promoting inclusive policies in schools to combat Islamophobia.

  • Volunteer: Join our advocacy and outreach initiatives.
  • Donate: Contributions help fund legal support, public education, and advocacy work.
  • Stay Informed: Follow NCCM on social media and subscribe to our newsletter.
  • Report Incidents: If you experience or witness an incident of Islamophobia, report it to NCCM.

You can reach NCCM through our website, email, or social media channels. If you require legal assistance or want to report an incident, visit our website for more details on how to get in touch.

See Contact Us.

Join our fight to
end islamophobia

If you’re ready to use your skills to make a real difference, there’s a place for you here.

ENGAGE WITH NCCM

Make Your Voice Heard

Unjust laws change when voices come together. By sending an email today, you help push for stronger policies to combat Islamophobia and discrimination. 


Volunteer

Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, education, or community outreach, NCCM offers volunteer opportunities where your time and skills can make a real impact. Join us in protecting rights and shaping policies.

Join the Movement

We need your help every day. Want to learn more about every campaign, as they are happening, live? Join our email list below to join the movement to end Islamophobia in Canada. 

Make A Donation

Justice requires action. Action requires resources. Your donation supports legal aid, advocacy for policy change, and the fight against Islamophobia at every level. Give today and stand up for the right of Canadian Muslims.