OTTAWA –
Canada’s new special representative to combat Islamophobia says she regrets that her words hurt Quebecers.
Amira Elgawabi apologized in English ahead of a meeting today with Bloc Québécois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet.
She says she is “extremely sorry” for the way her words came across and how they hurt the people of Quebec, and that she will listen carefully, and that’s what the dialogue is about.
Multiple Quebec politicians have called for Elgawabi’s appointment to be revoked over comments she made in a co-authored 2019 publication.
The column cited polling data to say that “a majority of Quebecers” who supported Bill 21 also held anti-Muslim views.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood by the decision to appoint Elghouabi to the role, saying she is the right person to help Canadians deal with difficult questions about religion.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 1, 2023.
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