Season 2, Episode 10 | Guest: Amira Elghawaby

Islamic History Month, observed in October, is dedicated to commemorating, enlightening, educating, and fostering a deeper understanding among fellow Canadians about the diverse and valuable contributions of the Muslim community to society.

In this new episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we take a moment to celebrate the contributions of Muslims to Canada and discuss the many issues the community still faces. To help us unpack this nuance topic is Amira Elghawaby, Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia. Amira is a prominent journalist and human rights advocate who has made significant contributions to promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in Canada. She has also worked in communications and human rights within Canada's labour movement and played a key role in promoting the civil liberties of Canadian Muslims.

We start by delving into some interesting facts about the Muslim community and the state of islamophobia in Canada. Then, we discuss the background of the Muslim community in Canada, the concept of multiculturism, and the progress being made to combat Islamophobia. Amira shares details about her role, the essential work she is doing, and the many challenges Muslim communities currently face. 

We explore the intersection of race and religion in xenophobia, the hurdles younger Muslim generations must overcome, the impact of toxic narratives, common misconceptions surrounding Islam, and more. Tune in and gain a deeper understanding of the Muslim community in Canada with Amira Elghawaby! 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Amira Elghawaby
• Amira Elghawaby on LinkedIn
• Amira Elghawaby on Instagram
• Amira Elghawaby on X
• Islamic History Month Canada (IHMC)
• Blackfoot Confederacy
• Canadian Labour Congress
• ‘Canada's Multiculturalism - Worth Defending’
• ‘Canada’s unions: urgent action needed to end Islamophobia, protect Muslim communities’
• The Myth of the Muslim Tide
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

*Please note this episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, on Islamophobia, which was produced before the October 2023 Israel-Palestine conflict, does not reference this conflict and the impact on groups affected. CCDI is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, and we stand against both antisemitism and Islamophobia. We offer valuable resources to employers seeking assistance in addressing these challenges. To learn more about what organizations can do to define and combat antisemitism in the workplace and beyond, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p1vXLuA1X0 for CCDI's free webinar: Antisemitism: How to recognize and prevent it in the workplace.