The federal government is set to eliminate two key offices dedicated to addressing religious discrimination and merge them into a single Advisory Council on Rights, Equality, and Inclusion. Both the Offices of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia and the Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism will be dissolved.
Identity Minister Marc Miller disclosed the plan to journalists on Parliament Hill, emphasizing the consolidation of these positions into a new committee focusing on national unity and advisory committee on rights, equity, and inclusion. Miller highlighted the significance of the abolished offices in identifying divisive issues within the country and stressed the transition to a national unity committee.
Miller clarified that the decision is not driven by cost-saving measures. The Toronto Star was the first to report on the abolitions.
Community groups, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), expressed their concerns and intentions regarding the new council. The NCCM criticized the closure of the Office of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, advocating for sustained and dedicated leadership for the Canadian Muslim community.
CIJA’s CEO, Noah Shack, voiced apprehension about the rise of antisemitism and extremism in Canada and emphasized the need for effective collaboration with other jurisdictions to combat these challenges. B’nai Brith Canada also urged the government to ensure that the new advisory council does not diminish efforts to combat antisemitism.
The NCCM had pushed for the establishment of a special representative on combatting Islamophobia, particularly following the tragic killings of the Afzaal family in London, Ontario, in 2021. Amira Elghawaby was appointed as the first representative to the office in January 2023.
The office of the Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism is currently vacant after Deborah Lyons stepped down in July 2025. Lyons chose to leave to spend more time with her family, and her replacement will be named in the future. The Heritage Department confirmed that the composition of the advisory council will be revealed later.
The Bloc supported the decision to abolish the two positions and replace them with the council, emphasizing the need for a more effective strategy to combat racism.