Statement by Special Representative Amira Elghawaby after meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada on ongoing efforts to combat Islamophobia

Among the priorities referenced in the Prime Minister’s Mandate letter was the need to attract and retain the best talent in the world to help build our economy. Such a commitment requires that every person in our country is fully able to fulfill their potential, without fear of discrimination or hate. Upholding Canada’s commitments to human rights, multiculturalism, pluralism, interculturalism, and equality, will help advance our collective prosperity.

This is what makes the work of the Office so crucial. As I shared with the Prime Minister, the Office engages with Canadians from coast to coast to coast to explore community-informed solutions, advises Ministers and federal officials on how, together, we can tackle efforts that malign Muslim communities, and works to ensure that federal policies are adequately responsive to community concerns and needs. This includes strengthening programs meant to support Canadians whose loved ones are seeking refuge in Canada, including those from Gaza.

Building upon previous commitments, we discussed:

• Implementing policy change to ensure Canadian Muslim charities are treated equitably;
• Enhancing data collection for federal public servants by providing the option to self-identify across numerous identities;
• Examining current and proposed federal policies and programs to ensure greater inclusion and equity for all Canadians, including Canadian Muslims.

We also spoke of the need to continue to address all forms of hatred, noting the recent spate of reported hate-motivated incidents involving vandalism, threats, and assaults committed against Canadian Muslims, including visibly Muslim women, and their places of worship.

During the meeting, I highlighted how Canada has become a global leader on combatting Islamophobia, sought for its advice and insights into this dangerous phenomenon. The recent publication of the Canadian Guide on Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a More Inclusive Canada by our Office is a significant step towards providing Canadians and institutions with a comprehensive resource that includes the recognition of anti-Palestinian racism.

I look forward to continuing to bring forward the issues and challenges faced by our communities as outlined in my mandate to help the Prime Minister and federal government fulfill the promise of Canada as a place where everyone is treated equally, free to exercise their Charter Rights and Freedoms, and to live lives of dignity and hope.