This is an archived copy of an official work published by the Government of Canada. It has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of, the Government of Canada. Preserved for public access.

Office of the Special Representative

Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia

"My name's Amira Elghawaby, and I'm Canada's first ever Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia. I'm grateful to be in this role because Canada is my home; it's where I grew up and learned to be proud of all that makes me who I am. I believe in the commitment of fellow Canadians like you in helping combat the hate and Islamophobia that seeks to make us want to hide or diminish who we are. I invite you to learn more about our office mandate and the work of my team."

Amira Elghawaby

Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia

Appointed January 2023

Biography

Amira Elghawaby, previously a journalist and human rights advocate, was appointed as Canada's first ever Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia in January 2023.

Since her appointment, Ms. Elghawaby has been providing strategic advice to the Government of Canada on legislation, policies, and programs impacting Canadian Muslim communities. She also worked closely with federal departments to address issues related to online hate, anti-racism, discrimination and community safety.

Additionally, Ms. Elghawaby has worked to raise public awareness on the challenges Islamophobia poses to Canada's shared values, championing human rights, freedom of religion and inclusion on national and global platforms, including at the United Nations.

Ms. Elghawaby is an award-winning journalist and human rights advocate. A founding board member of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network and past board member at the Silk Road Institute, she has had an extensive career supporting initiatives to counter hate and promote inclusion.

The Mandate

The Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia serves as a champion, advisor, expert and representative to the Canadian government, for the purpose of enhancing efforts to combat Islamophobia and promote awareness of the diverse and intersectional identities of Muslims in Canada.

The mandate for Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia is multifaceted and includes:

01

Providing guidance and advice to support the Government of Canada's efforts to combat Islamophobia in Canada

02

Providing advice to inform the development of policies, legislative proposals, programs and regulations that could affect Muslim Canadians

03

Providing guidance and advice to ministers to inform and improve efforts to track and monitor incidences of anti-Muslim hatred and violence across Canada

04

Supporting efforts to address systemic racism and Islamophobia through public education and awareness

05

Collaborating with domestic partners, institutions, and stakeholders to support Canada's efforts to combat Islamophobia

06

Working with global partners and representing Canada's commitment to combatting Islamophobia on the international stage

07

Promoting Canada's activities in combatting Islamophobia on official Government of Canada communication channels

08

Engaging with Canadian communities from coast to coast to coast to explore community-informed solutions

Special Representative's Video Message

Watch the Special Representative's message about the work of the Office.