Prominent Quebecers plead for Elghawaby to get chance

A letter of support signed by 30 prominent Quebecers, including academics, activists and community leaders, is asking that Amira Elghawaby be given the chance to fulfil her mandate as Canada’s first special representative on combating Islamophobia.

Provincial politicians in Quebec and Bloc Québécois Leader YvesFrançois Blanchet have called for Elghawaby’s resignation for a 2019 article she co-wrote criticizing Quebec’s Bill 21 and saying a majority of Quebecers appear to be “swayed” by anti-Muslim sentiment.

That law, adopted in 2019, prohibits certain public sector workers — like teachers and judges — from wearing religious symbols at work.

The letter dated Friday acknowledged the concerns raised by Quebec’s political class since her appointment last week but underscored her apology and her expressed desire to engage in further dialogue.

“We are sensitive to the concerns that have been raised since her appointment, but the challenge before her is a considerable one and we believe that Ms. Elghawaby should be given the opportunity to assume and pursue the mandate for which she was appointed,” the letter said.

On Wednesday, Elghawaby apologized, saying she was “extremely sorry.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stood behind the decision to name Elghawaby to the role.