Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has named Amira Elghawaby as Canada's first special representative on combating Islamophobia, who is tasked with aiding Ottawa in tackling hate as communities have urged the government to take action following violent attacks toward Muslims.
According to a statement from Trudeau鈥檚 office, Elghawaby will provide advice to the federal government in developing inclusive policies and programs and to support the government鈥檚 efforts in increasing public education and awareness around Islamophobia.
Human rights advocate and journalist Elghawaby was appointed following "an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process," according to the statement. She is also a founding board member of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network.
鈥淒iversity truly is one of Canada鈥檚 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,鈥� Trudeau said in the press release.
Appointing a special representative was one of the recommendations made to the federal government coming out of a 2021 virtual National Summit on Islamophobia.
The summit, which had been long-called for by Muslim communities across the country, was hosted in the wake of the that killed four members of the Afzaal family in London, Ont. in June 2021. Organizations, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims, have t to dismantle white supremacist groups and address online hate.
Filling this position comes just days before the anniversary of the Jan. 29, 2017, attack on a mosque in Quebec City, which has been designated a national day of remembrance and action against Islamophobia.
Islamophobia is defined as 鈥渞acism, stereotypes, prejudice, fear, or acts of hostility鈥� against Muslims, according to Canada鈥檚 Anti-Racism Strategy. Statistics Canada shows that the number of police-reported hate crimes targeting Muslim people increased 71 per cent from the previous year
Elghawaby will be specifically tasked with advising Ottawa around policy-making and with 鈥渓egislative proposals, programs, and regulations鈥� that reflect the realities of Muslims in Canada, according to the press release.
As well, she will provide advice and guidance to ministers to 鈥渋mprove efforts to track and monitor incidents of anti-Muslim hatred and violence across Canada,鈥� and promote 鈥減ublic awareness and understanding鈥� of Muslim communities in Canada through events and commemoration.
