Canada prides itself on being a multicultural, pluralistic society that welcomes people of all backgrounds. Yet, Canadian Muslims regularly face discrimination, suspicion and even violence due to their faith.

“Muslims are sometimes caught between being perceived as a threat or as representing a problem to solve," said Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, at the time of her appointment in 2023. She wants to change that perception and shift the national conversation so that Muslims are seen as a part of—not apart from—Canadian identity.

On June 10, 2025, join us as Amira Elghawaby makes a special presentation on how Islamophobia continues to manifest and threatens Canada’s social cohesion. After her keynote address, she will sit down in conversation with Museum CEO Isha Khan. This will be followed by a Q & A session with the audience.

This event is for anyone who wants to understand the causes and impact of Islamophobia, and how we can combat it in Canada. 

“True transformation rarely comes from top‐down policies alone; instead, it is the everyday actions we take in our communities that can help change lives and foster deeper pride and belonging among all Canadians.” — From The Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia

This event is a partnership between the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) and the Office of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia (OSRI).

About Amira Elghawaby 

As Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby advises the Government of Canada on how to enhance efforts to fight bias, discrimination and hate against Muslim communities, and promote awareness of the diverse and intersectional identities of Muslims in Canada. A journalist and human rights expert, her extensive experience supporting initiatives to counter hate and promote inclusion include serving as a past founding board member of the Canadian Anti‐Hate Network and a past board member at the Silk Road Institute.