MONTREAL: Canada appointed its first special representative on combatting Islamophobia, position created following several recent attacks on Muslims in country.

Journalist and activist Amira Elghawaby will fill post to “Serve as champion, adviser, expert and representative to support and enhance federal government’s efforts in fight against Islamophobia, systemic racism, racial discrimination and religious intolerance,” statement by Prime Minister’s office said.

An active human rights campaigner, Elghawaby is communications head for Canadian Race Relations Foundation and columnist for Toronto Star newspaper, having previously worked for more than decade at public broadcaster CBC. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Elghawaby’s appointment as “Important step in our fight against Islamophobia and hatred in all its forms.” “Diversity truly is one of Canada’s greatest strengths, but for many Muslims, Islamophobia is all too familiar,” he added. Over past few years, series of deadly attacks have targeted Canada’s Muslim community. In June 2021, four members of Muslim family were killed when man ran them over with his truck in London, Ontario. Four years earlier, six Muslims died and five were injured in an attack on Quebec City mosque.

In series of tweets, Elghawaby listed names of those killed in the recent attacks adding, “We must never forget.” Creation of new job had been recommended by national summit on Islamophobia organised by federal government in June 2021 in response to attacks.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 28 2023

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