First special envoy appointed to fight Islamophobia in Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in a written statement that he had named journalist and human rights defender Amira Elghawaby as “Canada’s first special representative to fight Islamophobia.”
Trudeau said Elghawaby’s appointment is an important step in the fight against Islamophobia and all forms of hate in the country, adding: “Diversity is indeed one of Canada’s greatest strengths, but for many Muslims, Islamophobia is all too familiar. We need to change this. No one in our country should hate their faith.” he used his statements.
Noting that the Canadian government supports the Muslim community, Trudeau stressed that any form of Islamophobia, discrimination and hatred in the country is unacceptable.
Elghawaby, who has an extensive career in anti-hate, was also claimed to serve on the board of directors of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network and the Homeland Security Transparency Advisory Group, and currently manages strategic communications and campaigns at Canadian Race. . Relations Foundation.
In the fight against Islamophobia, Elghawaby will advise the Canadian government as an expert advisor on inclusive policies, legislative proposals and regulations to raise awareness among the country’s Muslim community.
The special representative, who has an annual budget of $4.2 million, is expected to serve for 4 years.
WHAT HAPPENED?
In Canada, home to 1.8 million Muslims, or about 4.9 percent of the country’s population, Islamophobic attacks in recent years have provoked reactions.
Alexandre Bissonnette, who carried out an armed attack on a mosque in Quebec City, Canada, on January 29, 2017, as Muslims gathered for worship, killed 6 people and injured 19 people. “I’m sorry I didn’t kill more people,” said Bissonnette, who was captured after the incident. he said.
Nathanial Veltman (20), who drove his vehicle into a Muslim family walking on the sidewalk on June 6, 2021 in the city of London, province of Ontario, killing 4 people from the same family, including a 15-year-old girl . and seriously injured a 9-year-old boy.
Prime Minister Trudeau described the van attack in question as a “terrorist attack”. (AA)