Amira Elghawaby advocates for Canadian Muslims in meeting with Prime Minister

Amira Elghawaby, Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, met with Prime Minister Mark Carney on July 4, 2025, to discuss ongoing efforts to combat Islamophobia and promote safety, inclusion, and religious freedoms across Canada.

During the meeting, Ms. Elghawaby introduced the Prime Minister to the work of her Office, highlighting key domestic policies that impact Canadian Muslims.

She emphasized that Islamophobia, along with anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism, poses a significant threat to social cohesion and shared Canadian values.

Ms. Elghawaby emphasized the importance of upholding Canada's commitments to human rights, multiculturalism, pluralism, interculturalism, and equality for the nation's collective well-being and prosperity.

The Special Representative's Office is actively engaged in finding community-informed solutions, advising federal officials on countering efforts that malign Muslim communities, and ensuring federal policies address community concerns, including support for those seeking refuge in Canada, such as individuals from Gaza.

Key topics of discussion included implementing policy changes to ensure the equitable treatment of Canadian Muslim charities, enhancing data collection to allow federal public servants to self-identify across various identities, and examining federal policies to promote greater inclusion and equity for all Canadians, including Muslims.

The need to combat all forms of hatred was also addressed, in light of recent hate-motivated incidents against Canadian Muslims.

Ms. Elghawaby highlighted Canada's leadership on the global stage in combating Islamophobia, referencing the recent publication of the "Canadian Guide on Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia," which notably includes recognition of anti-Palestinian racism.

She reiterated her commitment to advocating for communities to help the government ensure Canada remains a place where everyone is treated equally and can live with dignity.

For more information, please refer to the official statement from Canadian Heritage.