With Islamophobia on the rise in the US and Europe, has Canada set a different example by electing that country's first ever Muslim mayor?

Thirty-eight-year-old Naheed Nenshi, a Harvard-educated professor of Indian descent, won in the western city of Calgary, considered to be Canada's conservative bastion.

Many say his victory is a testament to the country's commitment to multiculturalism that encourages immigrants to both preserve their ethnic roots and embrace their Canadian identity.

But critics say the multicultural model actually makes it tougher - not easier - for new Canadians to integrate into mainstream society.

On Thursday, we will be discussing these issues with Mayor Nenshi as well as writer and activist Tarek Fatah, who believes multiculturalism has been a stumbling block for immigrants in Canada.

You can join the conversation with your questions and comments. Watch the show live on Thursday November 18, at 1630 GMT. Repeats air at 2030 GMT, and the next day at 0130 GMT.