Abstract:

Canada prides itself on being a multicultural and inclusive society that welcomes people of all backgrounds. Yet, Canadian Muslims regularly face bias, discrimination, and even hate due to their faith. Join Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, for this discussion on how Islamophobia continues to be a pervasive issue and threatens Canada’s social cohesion. The conversation will draw on the Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada, a practical, easy-to-use tool that helps all Canadians recognize Islamophobia and take meaningful action toward inclusion.

Biography:

AMIRA ELGHAWABY, previously a journalist and human rights advocate, was appointed as Canada’s first ever Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia in January 2023. Since her appointment, Ms. Elghawaby has been providing strategic advice to the Government of Canada on legislation, policies, and programs impacting Canadian Muslim communities. She also worked closely with federal departments to address issues related to online hate, anti-racism, discrimination and community safety. Additionally, Ms. Elghawaby has worked to raise public awareness on the challenges Islamophobia poses to Canada’s shared values, championing human rights, freedom of religion and inclusion on national and global platforms, including at the United Nations. In spring 2025, her Office published The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia, the first of its kind to be launched by a national government.

Prior to Ms. Elghawaby’s appointment, she was a contributing columnist at the Toronto Star and held roles in strategic communications and human rights at various national organizations, including at the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, at the National Council of Canadian Muslims, and in Canada’s labour movement. Ms. Elghawaby is a founding board member of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network and has served two terms as a Commissioner on the Public Policy Forum’s Canadian Commission on Democratic Expression. She currently sits on the National Security Transparency Advisory Group. In 2025, Ms. Elghawaby was awarded the King Charles Coronation Medal for her leadership.