Jakarta – Canada enters Islamic History Month which falls every October. During this celebration, Canada collaborated with Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s first special representative to combat Islamophobia.

Canadian Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, in his official statement on Sunday (10/01/2023), said that the Muslim community has played an important role in shaping Canada today ‘today. According to the 1871 census data, Khera said, there were about 10 Muslims in his country and today that number continues to grow.

“Today, almost 5 percent of Canada’s population is Muslim, representing diverse origins and coming from all continents,” Khera said, as reported on the Government of Canada website, Monday (10/02/ 2023).

Khera continued: Canadian Muslims have made significant contributions every day in various art forms and across all disciplines. This diversity, Khera said, makes Canada a dynamic and inclusive country.

In his statement, Khera then spoke about the negative impact of Islamophobia which still constitutes an obstacle for Muslims today. He said Canada strongly rejects Islamophobic practices.

“Hate, Islamophobia and any form of discrimination have no place in Canada, which is why our government has taken strong action in recent years,” he said.

The appointment of Amira Elghawaby as Canada’s first special representative to combat Islamophobia, Khera said, is an important step in the fight against Islamophobia and hatred in her country. Later, Amira Elghawaby will provide guidance and advice to support the government in combating Islamophobia so that Muslims feel safe and respected.

“Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice. Together, they represent our country’s greatest strengths. I wish you a wonderful Canadian Islamic History Month! Khera concluded.

For information, the designation of October as Canadian Islamic History Month was made on the basis of a parliamentary decision adopted in 2007. This decision was taken following an increase in crimes targeting Muslims.

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(kri/nwk)