THE INFLUENCE OF CANADIAN SECURITY INTELLIGENCE SERVICES ON THE FORMATION OF RELIGIOUS AND NATIONAL IDENTITIES OF MUSLIM CANADIANS

Abstract

<p>This thesis explores the affect that Canadian Security Intelligence Services (CSIS) has on Muslim Canadians. Drawing on concepts of religious and national identity, I explore the ways these identities are shaped and constructed after individuals are approached by CSIS agents. This study presents a qualitative study of the lives of 8 Muslim Canadians and their experiences in both their religious and national communities after being interviewed by CSIS officials.</p> <p>This thesis explores how religious identity is expressed through religious community involvement and how boundaries of community are formed. In particular it examines how interviews with CSIS agents influence individuals to become more or less involved in their religious communities. Further, I discuss some of the implications that interviews with CSIS can have on the community as a whole.</p> <p>National identity presents a more complex and challenging exploration of defining citizenship, nationhood and the role of government. For all of these individuals, their sentiments towards citizenship and their perceived place within Canadian had shifted after being approached by CSIS officials.</p> <p>These changing identities are placed into a larger framework that examines the problems associated with defining Muslim Canadians, Islamophobia, Canada's approach to multiculturalism and Canada's response to terrorism and security. Thus, this thesis examines some of the critical issues that Muslim Canadians face and how these particular topics, in addition to an interview with CSIS agents, have influenced the lives of the individuals in this study.</p>