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Canada’s new anti-Islamophobia representative apologizes for comments about Quebecers

National Council of Canadian Muslims communications director Amira Elghawaby listens to a reporter's question as leaders of national and Quebec organizations joined the NCCM to call on governments to counter Islamophobia, racism and discrimination, on Parliament Hill on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 in Ottawa.
National Council of Canadian Muslims communications director Amira Elghawaby listens to a reporter's question as leaders of national and Quebec organizations joined the NCCM to call on governments to counter Islamophobia, racism and discrimination, on Parliament Hill on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 in Ottawa. Photo by Justin Tang /THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA — Canada’s new special representative on combating Islamophobia says she is sorry that her words have hurt Quebecers.

Amira Elghawaby apologized in English before a meeting today with Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet.

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She says she is “extremely sorry” for the way her words have carried and how they hurt the people of Quebec, and that she will listen carefully and that’s what dialogue is all about.

The column cited polling data to say that “a majority of Quebecers” who supported Bill 21 also held anti-Muslim views.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stood behind the decision to name Elghawaby to the role, saying she is the right person to help Canadians grapple with tough questions about religion.