Office to Combat Islamophobia in Canada Is No More! But Why?

You might be asking, “Does this mean there’s no longer any Islamophobia in Canada?” Straight answer: if anything, Islamophobia is at unprecedented levels. In July 2024, Statistics Canada reported a staggering 94% increase in police-reported hate crimes against Muslims over the previous year. Experts warn that this figure does not fully capture the reality, as many incidents go unreported.

What is documented is alarming. Anti-Muslim bigots have threatened places of worship, physical safety, and the ability of Muslim individuals to speak freely about humanitarian issues, especially concerning Muslims living in other parts of the world.

For example, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, two men armed with an axe and a large knife tried to break into a local mosque. In London, Ontario, a man deliberately set fire to the home of a Muslim family after they displayed signs supporting Palestinian human rights and commemorating the Our London Family attack. In Ajax, Ontario, a woman attempted to ignite the hijab of a Muslim woman who was quietly studying at a local library. In August 2025, an artist who painted a watermelon mosaic to celebrate the CNN event was unceremoniously relieved of her responsibilities. This is just a small sampling of ongoing incidents.

Carney’s decision to eliminate this office—despite promising during his election campaign to maintain it—is surprising. We can’t help but wonder what has changed since the election. Have Muslims suddenly begun feeling safer with Carney as Prime Minister? Or have reported incidents of hate against Muslims decreased? If neither is true, and the change is based on research suggesting that a committee can more effectively combat Islamophobia than an individual, could that report be made public to quell all concerns regarding this sudden move? After all, this office directly pertains to the safety of two million Muslims living in Canada. We deserve to know who is watching over us.

Now, let’s delve into the news that’s leaving Muslims across the country perplexed.

On February 4, 2026, Culture and Identity Minister Marc Miller announced that the office of the Special Representative to Combat Islamophobia, previously held by Amira Elghawaby, is being eliminated. It will be replaced by an advisory council on “Rights, Equality, and Inclusion.”

In response to questions that have already arisen regarding the membership of this advisory council, Miller stated that it will include “prominent Canadians from academia, experts, and community leaders, and their mission will be to foster social cohesion, rally Canadians around a shared identity, combat racism and hatred in all their forms, and guide the Government of Canada’s efforts.”

Phew! That’s a lot of words that fail to answer one simple question: Who will be on this council? For instance, what criteria will be used to select them? What qualifications will they have for these roles? What is their track record in similar endeavors, and what successes have they achieved? Most importantly, what gaps left by Ms. Elghawaby, if any, will this advisory council fill? And why were these people not identified and announced before the elimination of this office was announced?

Before Mr. Miller responds to these queries, here’s a sincere request: next time you address us, sir, please avoid using a few hundred words where only a few are needed. We hope you will remember that lives depend on what you do next or what you decide. As does the unity of Canada that you so passionately espouse. Thank you!  

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