In a controversial move, the Canadian government, led by Mark Carney, announced the cancellation of the special representative positions for combating 'Islamophobia' and anti-Semitism. Instead, these roles are being merged into a new advisory council aimed at focusing more broadly on rights, equality, and inclusion. This decision has sparked widespread criticism from Muslim community organizations, who view it as a regression in the government's commitment to protecting communities impacted by hate in a time when tensions are escalating.

The position for combating Islamophobia was established as a direct response to the tragic 2021 incident in London, Ontario, where a Muslim family was targeted by a truck driver, resulting in the deaths of four family members. The role was intended to provide dedicated leadership to address the alarming rise in incidents of hate against Muslims. Meanwhile, the anti-Semitism representative's role was part of broader efforts to remember the Holocaust and combat rising anti-Semitic incidents.

The abolition of these roles raises serious concerns among advocacy groups about the government's dedication to fighting hate and discrimination, particularly at a time when such issues are increasingly prominent in Canadian society. Critics argue that merging these positions into a more general advisory council dilutes targeted efforts to address each form of hate and could potentially leave vulnerable communities without specific support and representation during a period of heightened hostility and violence.