Ottawa appoints special representative to combat Islamophobia

TORONTO, Australia — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the appointment of Canada’s first special representative to combat Islamophobia.

Amira Elghawaby, a journalist and human rights advocate, will serve as an advisor and expert as the federal government works to fight religious intolerance and systemic racism.

In a news release today, Trudeau says he is looking forward to working with Elghawaby, and calls her appointment an “important step” to combat Islamophobia and build a country where everyone is respected.

Speaking at an event to mark her appointment, Elghawaby says she is deeply honoured and humbled to serve the Muslim community in the new role.