Arab, Tunisian in Canada

Introduction / History

Most information about Arabs in Canada is general; it seldom distinguishes those from Tunisia from those from other Arabic speaking nations. Because Arabs have often been allowed into Canada as war refugees, there are fewer Tunisians than Arabs from places that are less peaceful.

Where Are they Located?

Most Arabs in Canada live either in Ontario or Quebec. Tunisians often live in the cities of Montreal, Ottawa, or Toronto. 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 Tunisia, there are almost no Christians among the Arab population. Almost all Tunisian 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 Tunisian Arab Muslims by helping them develop useful job skills in Canada. There is religious freedom in Canada, so Tunisian Arab Muslims could hear and respond to the gospel in that nation. Tunisian Arabs have a much better chance of hearing about Christ than they would in Tunisia, but someone needs to go to them!

Prayer Points

Pray for Christ's followers to take up the challenge to help Tunisian Arabs to get the job training they need to find employment in Canada.
Pray that Tunisian Arabs will have the chance to embrace Jesus Christ, their only hope.
Pray for a disciple-making movement among Tunisian Arabs to spread throughout Canada and Tunisia.

Text Source:   Global Prayer Digest