Federal government appoints special representative to combat Islamophobia

The Federal government has appointed Amira Elghawaby as the inaugural special representative on combatting Islamophobia.

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) said they are pleased to see the roll coming to light with the help of Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Ahmed Hussen.

“Diversity truly is one of Canada’s greatest strengths, but for many Muslims, Islamophobia is all too familiar. We need to change that. No one in our country should experience hatred because of their faith. The appointment of Ms. Elghawaby as Canada’s first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia is an important step in our fight against Islamophobia and hatred in all its forms. I look forward to working with her as we continue building a country where everyone feels safe and respected,” said Trudeau.

Following the truck attack that killed four members of the same Muslim family in London, Ontario, the National Action Summit on Islamophobia recommended establishing the roll in an effort to fight against Islamophobia within Canada.

Elghawaby’s appointment comes after work she has done as an anti-Islamophobia and anti-hate advocate. She’s also previously worked with the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and at NCCM prior to her current position sitting on the National Security Transparency Advisory Group, which advises the Deputy Minister of Public Safety.

“This is the first time the fight against Islamophobia will have an established home in Canadian government. We look forward to working with the Special Representative on issues and items that have long been on the list of priorities for our community,” says Stephen Brown, CEO of NCCM.

“There are urgent changes that need to be met, from better oversight for our national security agencies, to stopping our community organizations from being unfairly audited. We have a lot of work ahead and we are so excited that there is now an Office that can help us bring about these changes at the institutional level.”

While in the new position, the NCCM is recommending that Elghawaby do the following:

  • Review all departments that deal with national security in relation to Islamophobic past and present policies;
  • Work with civil society groups to challenge Islamophobia (including Quebec’s Bill banning hijab’s in certain places);
  • Build a cohesive office that is built on the framework of representing community interests.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today