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An expert on Islamic extremism is sounding the alarm after reviewing recordings from the LIT (Learning Islam Together) Convention held in Laval, Quebec, warning that Canada may be “breeding the next generation of radicals” while governments fail to confront the spread of extremist ideology among young people.

The convention, held July 26 and aimed largely at young Muslims, featured speakers discussing Islamic economic autonomy, relations between men and women and the role Muslims should play politically and socially in Western countries.

After reviewing recordings and documents from the event, the expert, who has chosen to remain anonymous, said it contained “all the ingredients of an Islamist conference,” pointing specifically to what he described as anti-Western messaging, anti-Jewish conspiracies and calls for Muslims to become economically and culturally autonomous.

One speaker urged Muslims to support Muslim businesses and build what he called a “circular economy.” The expert argued that this closely mirrors long-standing Muslim Brotherhood doctrine.

“This is part of Muslim Brotherhood doctrine. It is clearly documented as part of the literature,” he said.

He also raised concerns about messages discouraging assimilation.

“You’re talking about maintaining your Islamic identity and enjoying the benefits of living in the West whilst pushing an agenda of taking over institutions and the government,” he said, adding
that, “as a security expert, I see that as a form of foreign interference, clearly.”

His strongest warning concerned young people being exposed to radical ideology inside Western countries.

“I think it’s time for us to wake up and realize that the threat is largely not coming from outside. It is coming from within... We are breeding the next generation of radicals, you know, within our societies.”

The expert called for increased immigration vetting, more research into Islamist radicalization in Canada and greater government attention to extremist networks.

“Europe is waking up to this threat of Islamist extremism,” he said, “but we don’t seem to be as serious about it.”