Ahmed Hussen, Canada's Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, joined by Liberal MPs Omar Alghabra and Iqra Khalid at news conference June 6, 2022. (Photo: CPAC, Government of Canada)

By Mario Cabradilla

Government aims to combat hate and all forms of racism

Jun 6, 2022 | 3:09 PM

OTTAWA, ON – The federal government has created a new representative position dedicated to combatting Islamophobia.

In a June 6, 2022 news release, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen said, “As we commemorate the one-year anniversary of the London attack and the five-year anniversary of the Québec Mosque shooting, the urgency for our government to take further actions to combat hate and all forms of racism is evident.”

The Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia will serve to promote awareness of the diverse and intersectional identities of Muslims in Canada, and act as a representative to the Canadian government in addressing barriers facing Muslim communities, according to the Government of Canada website.

The special representative will also collaborate with domestic partners, institutions and stakeholders to support Canada’s efforts in combatting Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hate, systemic racism, racial discrimination and religious intolerance. The government is currently accepting applications for the new position.

“Our government has listened to the lived experiences of Muslim communities from across the country and is stepping up its efforts in the fight against Islamophobia,” said Hussen. “The launch of applications for the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia is another important step in building a safer, stronger, and more inclusive and equitable future for all.”

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For the full details, including the education and experience requirements for the position, visit the Government of Canada website.

The federal 2022 budget proposes $85 million over four years starting 2022-23 to support the launch of a new Anti-Racism Strategy and National Action Plan on Combatting Hate.

The government has committed to provide $5.6 million over five years to support combatting Islamophobia.

Another $560,000 over five years will support the Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism.

For more information on the federal 2022 budget, visit the Government of Canada website.

The website states: “In Canada, diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice — and there is still work to be done to make Canada a country that is truly equal for everyone.”

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