Trudeau appoints Canada’s first special representative. To combat Islamophobia
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he has appointed a special representative to fight Islamophobia in Canada.
Amira Al-Ghawabi is a former journalist, founding member of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, and was instrumental in creating the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), the largest Muslim organization in the country.
In a press release, the Prime Minister’s Office said that as the Special Representative, El-Ghawabi will lead the federal government’s fight “against Islamophobia, systemic racism, racial discrimination, and religious intolerance.”
Specifically, she will advise the Trudeau government on what policies and legislation should be introduced to counter the “threat” of Islamophobia.
Stephen Brown, CEO of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood applauded her appointment.
“While at NCCM, Amira was a passionate advocate and fought many crucial battles for our community at a time when we needed a hero,” Brown said. “Realistically, I’m not sure if there will be an NCCM without a princess.
“We look forward to continuing to work with her, her office and all those who want to eliminate the threat of Islamophobia in Canada,” he said.
The appointment comes close to the sixth anniversary of the killing of six Muslims who were shot dead while performing prayers at a Quebec City mosque on January 29, 2017. Another 19 were wounded, some seriously.
“Since 2017, Canada has seen 11 people killed in anti-Muslim violence,” Brown said.
“No one in our country should suffer hate because of their faith,” Trudeau said, adding, “The appointment of Mrs. Al-Ghawabi as Canada’s first Special Representative for Combating Islamophobia is an important step in our fight against Islamophobia and hate in all its forms.”
There are about 1.8 million Muslims in Canada, which has an estimated population of 38 million.