Canada's antisemitism envoy to be permanent: PM

OTTAWA - Canada plans to make its special envoy for preserving Holocaust remembrance and fighting antisemitism a permanent position.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is making the announcement today in a virtual appearance at the Malmö International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism.

He says the newly permanent role will be bolstered with more resources.

This morning, I’m participating in the Malmö International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism. Watch it here: https://t.co/bGA2hUlqdI

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 13, 2021

Former justice minister Irwin Cotler was appointed envoy in November 2020 to advance Holocaust education and fight domestic and global antisemitism.

Trudeau promises Canada will develop and implement a national plan on resisting hate with the help of the special envoy and in concert with Jewish communities.

B'nai Brith Canada, a Jewish human rights organization, says it recorded 2,610 antisemitic incidents last year, the fifth consecutive record-setting year for reports of antisemitism in Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 13, 2021.