Algerian, Arabic-speaking in Canada

Introduction / History

Most information about Arabs in Canada is general; it seldom distinguishes those from Algeria from those from other Arabic speaking nations. Because Arabs have often been allowed into Canada as war refugees, there are fewer Algerians than Arabs from places that are less peaceful. Some Algerians would consider themselves to be economic refugees who need to migrate to Canada to find work.

Where Are they Located?

Most Arabs in Canada live either in Ontario or Quebec. Within these two provinces, the Arabs live in the cities of Toronto or Montreal. They do not tend to have their own separate settlements within these cities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Arabs in Canada are twice as likely as Canadian natives to have a college degree. Yet there is a higher unemployment rate for people of Arab descent. Arabs in Canada tend to have lower incomes than the Canadian locals. On the positive side, Arabs in Canada tend to have a strong identity with their new nation.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A good percentage of Arabs who flee the Arabic-speaking countries are Christians. But in Algeria, there are almost no Christians among the Arab population. Almost all Algerian Arabs are Sunni Muslims, though not all of them practice Islam. Some are more devout than others.

What Are Their Needs?

Those who follow Christ could see Him glorified among Algerian Arab Muslims by helping them develop useful job skills in Canada. There is religious freedom in Canada, so Algerian Arab Muslims could hear and respond to the gospel in that nation. Algerian Arabs have a much better chance of hearing about Christ than they would in Algeria, but someone needs to go to them.

Prayer Points

Pray for Christ's followers to take up the challenge to help Algerian Arabs to get the job training they need to find employment in Canada.

Text Source:   Global Prayer Digest