Government calls for applications to fill the new position of Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia

Today, Ahmed Hussen, Canada's Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, invited applicants to submit their candidacy for the new position of Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, has been posted on the Governor in Council Appointments website.

The Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia will serve as a champion, advisor, expert and representative to the Canadian government, for the purpose of enhancing efforts to combat Islamophobia and to address barriers facing Muslim communities, and promoting awareness of the diverse and intersectional identities of Muslims in Canada.

The Special Representative will collaborate with domestic partners, institutions and stakeholders to support Canada’s efforts to combat Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hate, systemic racism, racial discrimination and religious intolerance.

“As we commemorate the one-year anniversary of the London attack and the five-year anniversary of the Québec Mosque shooting, the urgency for our government to take further actions to combat hate and all forms of racism is evident. Our government has listened to the lived experiences of Muslim communities from across the country and is stepping up its efforts in the fight against Islamophobia," said Minister Hussen. "The launch of applications for the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia is another important step in building a safer, stronger, and more inclusive and equitable future for all.”

To fulfill this role, qualified candidates must have the knowledge and understanding of Muslim communities across Canada, preferably based on lived experience.

A detailed description of the education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position is provided in the Notice of Appointment Opportunity, which, according to the government, reflects what they heard during the National Summit on Islamophobia held in July 2021 and also through the ongoing work of the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat with members of racialized, and religious minority communities, as well as Indigenous peoples.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by July 6.