Canada Faces Backlash Over Scrapping Standalone Islamophobia Envoy Role

Canada Faces Backlash Over Scrapping Standalone Islamophobia Envoy Role
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Canada is facing criticism after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government scrapped the standalone roles of Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia and Special Envoy on Combatting Antisemitism, folding them into a new advisory council on rights, equality and inclusion.

Muslim organizations said the move weakens institutional commitment to communities facing rising hate crimes. The Islamophobia envoy post was created after the 2021 deadly attack on a Muslim family in London. Groups including the Canadian Islamic Forum and the National Council of Canadian Muslims warned that merging the roles could dilute focus and accountability.

Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller defended the decision, saying a single council reporting to the prime minister would address hate and equality issues more comprehensively, denying the change was cost-driven.

The controversy comes amid ongoing reports of Islamophobic threats and a continued rise in anti-Muslim incidents, prompting calls for clear mandates and real authority for the new council.