Trudeau appoints first-ever special envoy to fight Islamophobia

As the government’s spokesperson and adviser, Amira Akhawabi will support the war effort Against Islamophobia, systemic racism, racial discrimination and religious intolerance.

It will also participate in the development of inclusive policies, legislative proposals, programs and regulations that reflect the realities of Muslims in Canada.

” Islamophobia is a direct experience of Muslim communities in our country and demands sustained action. »

Amira Elkhawabi participated in a press conference Thursday with ministers Ahmed Hussain and Omar Alcabra, the former for housing and diversity and inclusion and the latter for transportation in the Trudeau government.

As a special representative, Mrs. Elkawabi says his order To fully represent Muslims are of all origins, and in all diversity.

The fate of women in particular worries her. In a press conference, Mrs. Elkhawabi was asked if she would pay special attention to black Muslim women who wear the hijab. Last September, during a cross-Canada tour Investigations into IslamophobiaThe Senate Human Rights Committee investigated the situation Black Muslim women Residents and victims of Edmonton Complex and multidimensional discriminationIn the words of President Duniya NoorAfrican Canadian Civic Engagement Council (Accessions)

Ms. Elkhawabi recalls many terrifying incidents in Edmonton. It involved a woman sitting in a car with her daughter in a mall parking lot: An assailant dragged her out of the car, threw her on the ground and beat her, while he chased after his daughter.she explained.

Convicted of assault and mischief, sentenced to 16 months in prison for the assault. It is very important to see these acts of hate punished by our justice system.Amira Elkhawabi said.

” I completely understand the true fears of black Muslim women. Unfortunately, this is a fear that many Muslims who wear religious symbols face on a daily basis; For example, hijab-wearing women like me. »

Amira Elkhawabi argues that no one should be afraid to walk the streets, take their children to the park, take public transport, be insulted or have things thrown at them. These fears should not exist in CanadaShe maintains.

” I am committed to listening to social workers and finding solutions so that everyone feels safe regardless of where they are from. »

State Secularism Act

During the press conference, Ahmed Husson was asked if Ms. Elkhawabi’s office would play a role in Ottawa’s planned legal challenge to the state’s secularism law (also known as Bill 21) adopted by the Quebec government.

Without directly answering the question, the Minister for Diversity and Inclusion The Special Representative’s role will be advisory and expert to further coordinate the government’s work in the fight against Islamophobia..

We will work closely with herAhmed Hussain said.

Then, speaking specifically about the Quebec Secular Act, Minister Hussen declared that the issue was Basic.

It’s a matter that touches the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it touches religious freedom, and we’ve made it clear that this is a concern for us. [le gouvernement canadien]he added.

Justin Trudeau’s government indicated last year that it would not hesitate to participate in a possibility Supreme Court Challenge Act 21.

The Central Government also intends to submit a note to the Supreme Court regarding Preventive use notwithstandingA rule that the François Legault government used when it adopted legislation respecting the state’s secularism.