New anti-Islamophobia liaison apologizes for Quebec comments

Some politicians calling for Elghawaby to be removed from post

Canada’s new special representative on combating Islamophobia has apologized for words that hurt Quebecers after leaders in that province called for her resignation.

Amira Elghawaby apologized in English before a meeting on Wednesday with Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet.

“As a member of Canada’s Muslim community, we know what it’s like to be stereotyped. We know what it’s like for people to have biases, and I understand the words and the way that I have said them have hurt people in Quebec,” Elghawaby said.

“I have been listening very carefully. I have heard you, and I know what you are feeling. And I am sorry.”

Following the meeting, Elghawaby said that their conversation was constructive, but they “agree to disagree” when it comes to Bill 21.

The law has been heavily criticized — including by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — for discriminating against members of religious minorities by banning them from wearing religious symbols at their public-service workplaces.

“Our (Muslim) communities have expressed the ways that it is impacting them, and that is going to remain my message: this is a discriminatory bill,” Elghawaby said.

“That being said, the way that we’re going to move forward on these types of different conversations is by being able to listen, and ensuring the ways we talk about these issues aren’t hurtful on either side.”

Multiple politicians in Quebec have called for Elghawaby’s appointment to be rescinded because of comments she made in a 2019 opinion piece.

The column, co-written with former Canadian Jewish Congress CEO Bernie Farber, cited polling data to say that “a majority of Quebecers” who supported Bill 21 also held anti-Muslim views.

Trudeau said after the apology on Wednesday that it demonstrated Elghawaby is open to others’ concerns and wants to “build bridges” in a difficult file.

Quebec Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge said he appreciates Elghawaby’s apology but it does not change his government’s view.

“I still don’t believe she has the credibility, the legitimacy to occupy the role the prime minister has given her,” he told reporters in French. “I think that now, the second thing for her to do is to submit her resignation.”