Canada’s newly-named representative on combating Islamophobia is beginning to speak with political leaders about her past controversial statements, despite not officially starting in the role for two more weeks.
OTTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walked a careful line Wednesday between calming tensions in Quebec and backing his point-person on Islamophobia, as Amira Elghawaby offered a direct apology for her stance on the province’s controversial secularism law.
The prime minister then said the person to get that job done is Elghawaby, who Trudeau last week appointed as Canada’s first special representative on combating Islamophobia. Quebec officials have demanded Elghawaby apologize and step down from her post for what they say is her suggestion that the majority of Quebec holds discriminatory views.
“I understand that the words and the way that I said them have hurt the people of Quebec. I have been listening very carefully. I have heard you and I know what you’re feeling and I’m sorry,” Elghawaby said. “This is what it’s all about. This is dialogue.” Blanchet, who has called Elghawaby’s remarks “very insulting,” said in the House of Commons Monday that he wanted to meet with the former journalist, who previously wrote columns for the Star. In response, Trudeau said he would “certainly facilitate” a meeting and said Elghawaby would be “delighted” to take part.
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