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25 years since 9/11, Canada is not further ahead on tackling Islamophobia: advocates
Advocates say 204 anti-Muslim hate crimes were reported in 2025, as officials rolled back federal support and tensions rose after Oct. 7, 2023.
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Canada's federal government replaced the office of the special representative on combating Islamophobia with a broader advisory council, drawing criticism from advocates who called the move a "slap in the face."
Advocates note the rollback occurs as annual hate crimes against Muslims remain higher than five years ago, with 204 reported in 2025 compared with 142 in 2021, amid tensions from the Israel-Hamas war.
Recent data documents more than 21 violent incidents against Muslims over four months, including a Winnipeg mosque shooting, while the 2021 murder of the Afzaal family in London, Ont., was recognized by a judge as terrorism rooted in white supremacy.
Hermine Landry wrote the new Combating Hate Act "directly addresses hate-motivated violence," while journalism professor Asmaa Malik argued the office's elimination contributes to Canada's "national amnesia" regarding Islamophobia.
Reflecting on 25 years since 9/11, former special representative Amira Elghawaby expressed hope that children would not face the stigma of that era, though Choudhry stated "the ultimate responsibility rests with Muslims" to continue stemming hate.