Feds to fold envoys on Islamophobia, antisemitism into new national unity council

OTTAWA — Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller says there will no longer be stand-alone federal envoys to combat Islamophobia and antisemitism.

The government plans to fold the two positions into a new advisory council on rights, equality and inclusion — composed of prominent academics, experts and community leaders — with a mission to foster social cohesion.

Miller’s department said Wednesday the new council will aim to foster social cohesion, rally Canadians around a common identity, combat racism and hate in all forms, and help guide federal efforts.

Miller told reporters the advisory council would recognize Islamophobia and antisemitism but focus on national unity and “trying to bring people together.”

Amira Elghawaby was named Canada’s first special representative on combating Islamophobia in January 2023.

The office of the special envoy on preserving Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism has been vacant since Deborah Lyons’s retirement last year.

The new advisory council will “build on the important work” of the two envoys, said Hermine Landry, Miller’s press secretary.

Details on the transition of these roles into the new council, along with the appointment of experts, will be finalized in coming weeks, Landry said.

“This new advisory council is about bringing communities together to combat hate,” Landry added. “Hate is hate, and as Canadians, we must be united in confronting it.”

Miller’s department, Canadian Heritage, says the council’s responsibilities will include bringing together organizations working on social cohesion to foster collaboration, reduce duplication and better co-ordinate countrywide efforts.

“The world is more dangerous and divided, and this moment calls for a renewed focus on strengthening the bonds that hold our society together,” the department said in a statement.

“As Canada’s population becomes more diverse, fostering community and civic engagement and a collective sense of belonging is becoming increasingly important.”

The council will be expected to create a network of trusted leaders from all communities — including civil society, academia, youth and Indigenous Peoples — to provide expert advice that informs the body’s work.

It will also provide reports, studies and other detailed advice to Miller.

Noah Shack, chief executive officer of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said his organization expects immediate, concrete action on antisemitism including support for security and addressing the sources of hate.

“This is essential to safeguard the future of our community and all Canadians,” he said in a statement.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 4, 2026.

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press