CAEF Issues Statement on the newly announced Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion

For Immediate Release

February 4, 2026

CAEF Responds to Announced Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion

The Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation wishes to pay tribute to the two outstanding individuals who held the position of Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism: The Hon. Irwin Cotler and Ms Deborah Lyons.   We acknowledge the important work that the Office of the Special Envoy has performed, particularly the publication of the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.  We note that the replacement of the Office of the Special Envoy does not revoke or abrogate the Handbook and that it remains in effect as a policy of the Government of Canada.

In the announcement of a new Council, CAEF notes the important emphasis expressed as “a renewed focus on strengthening the bonds that hold our society together, and the stated mission as “to foster social cohesion, rally Canadians around shared identity, combat racism and hate in all their forms, and help guide the efforts of the Government of Canada.” We welcome these priorities and the plan to have one body with broad representation from across society.

However, we have misgivings as the announcement states this Council will work under current programs and policies. These policies do not reflect data that shows Jews are the most victimized minority in Canada, being recipients of the highest and ever-increasing rate of hate crimes. The Jewish community is not seeking special status, but equal status. There must be actions to achieve justice: the elimination of threats, harassment, property damage, vandalism and attacks, as well as the deepening spread of lies and bigotry on social media, and the bias against Zionism expressed in cultural and educational institutions, media, political discourse and on the streets.

Canada is a signatory to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism but then ignores it. The Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion must begin its work in combating antisemitism by acting on the basis of the Canadian Handbook on IHRA.

——————30——————

Contact: Andria Spindel, Executive Director, CAEFandria@caef.ca