A Canadian Muslim organisation has criticised the government after it decided to close down its office meant to deal with Islamophobia, saying the move comes at a bad time when hate is already rising across the country.
Muslim Community Criticizes Closure Amid Rising Hate
The National Council of Canadian Muslims said on Wednesday it was deeply disappointed with Ottawa’s decision to dissolve both the Office of the Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia and another office that focused on antisemitism. Instead, the government plans to create a broader Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion.
After the deadly attack in 2021, London, Ontario, in which four members of a Muslim family were killed. Since then, NCCM says things have not really improved, and Islamophobia continues to increase in many parts of Canada.
The group said the Muslim community needs consistent leadership, not changes every few years. It also said closing the antisemitism office raises concerns too, especially when different forms of hate are being reported more often.
NCCM chief executive Stephen Brown thanked Amira Elghawaby, who served as Canada’s first special representative on Islamophobia, saying she worked hard for affected communities. Although a new advisory council is being formed, NCCM said it will be watching closely to see what actually happens next, adding that they will continue their own work regardless.
Government Plans Advisory Council to Address Broader Issues
Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller said the roles are being folded into a larger structure. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, he said the change is not about cutting costs. “This isn’t a cost-saving operation,” Miller said, explaining that the government wants a council that reports directly to him and the prime minister. He added that the previous offices had helped highlight sensitive issues, especially with tensions linked to the Gaza war.
In a separate statement, the government said the new advisory council will focus on social cohesion, racism and hate, and advise under the Multiculturalism Act. Members will be announced later. Still, community groups say they are uneasy. Some feel that merging everything into one body could water down attention on Islamophobia and antisemitism, just when many people feel more exposed and unsafe.
Source: TRT world