The federal government is planning to eliminate two key offices dedicated to addressing religious discrimination by merging them into a single entity known as the Advisory Council on Rights, Equality, and Inclusion. The Offices of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia and the Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism will both be dissolved.
Identity Minister Marc Miller stated that the decision involves integrating these roles into a new committee focusing on national unity and advising on rights, equity, and inclusion. He emphasized the importance of these offices in identifying societal divisions within the country and highlighted the transition to a national unity committee as the next phase.
Minister Miller clarified that the restructuring is not driven by cost-saving motives. The Toronto Star initially reported on the abolition of these offices.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) expressed disappointment over the closure of the Office of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, emphasizing the need for continuous leadership in combating Islamophobia. They pledged to monitor the new advisory council’s activities to ensure they align with the fight against Islamophobia.
Similarly, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) voiced concerns about the dissolution of the Office on Combatting Antisemitism. CIJA’s CEO, Noah Shack, highlighted the increasing challenges of antisemitism and extremism in Canada, urging strong leadership from the government to address these issues effectively.
B’nai Brith Canada also cautioned the government about the implications of the new initiative, emphasizing the importance of not diluting efforts to combat antisemitism. The organization called for a commission of inquiry on antisemitism to be established.
The NCCM advocated for the establishment of a special representative on combatting Islamophobia following the tragic killings of the Afzaal family in London, Ont., in 2021. Amira Elghawaby was appointed as the first representative to the office in January 2023.
The Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism’s position is currently vacant after the previous envoy, Deborah Lyons, resigned in July 2025. Lyons highlighted the challenges of fostering understanding amidst rising intolerance and lack of patience.
The Heritage Department mentioned that the composition of the advisory council will be disclosed at a later date. The Bloc supported the decision to abolish the two posts, emphasizing the need for a more effective approach to combat racism.
The move to consolidate these offices into a unified advisory council reflects the government’s commitment to addressing religious discrimination and promoting unity and inclusion in Canada.