The federal government’s plan involves merging two significant offices dedicated to addressing religious discrimination into a single 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 are set to be eliminated.
Identity Minister Marc Miller explained that the decision aims to consolidate these roles within a new committee focused on national unity and advisory committee on rights, equity, and inclusion. He emphasized the importance of these offices in identifying divisive issues within the country and highlighted the transition to a national unity committee.
Minister Miller clarified that the restructuring is not driven by cost-saving measures, as reported by the Toronto Star. Meanwhile, community groups such as the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) expressed concerns over the closure of the Office of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, stressing the need for sustained leadership in combating Islamophobia.
Additionally, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) emphasized the importance of the new council’s effectiveness in addressing antisemitism and extremism. B’nai Brith Canada also urged the government to ensure that the new advisory council does not weaken efforts to combat antisemitism.
The NCCM advocated for the appointment of a special representative to combat Islamophobia following the tragic events involving the Afzaal family in London, Ont., in 2021. Amira Elghawaby was appointed as the first representative to this office in January 2023.
The Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism’s office is currently vacant after the previous envoy, Deborah Lyons, resigned in July 2025. Lyons cited personal reasons for her departure, expressing disappointment over the lack of tolerance and understanding in recent years.
The Heritage Department confirmed that the composition of the advisory council will be announced later, with the Bloc supporting the abolition of the existing positions in favor of a more comprehensive approach to combating racism.