Muslim advocacy organizations are calling on Parliament to regulate what they describe as disinformation by politicians targeting Arab Canadians, urging the Office of the Ethics Commissioner to hold elected officials accountable for spreading harmful narratives.Blacklock's Reporter says the proposal is outlined in a new report titled Documenting The Palestine Exception, released by York University’s Islamophobia Research Hub. The report, endorsed by federal Islamophobia representative Amira Elghawaby, claims disinformation against Arab and Palestinian Canadians has worsened since October 7, 2023. While the report offers no specific examples of false statements by MPs or senators, its authors argue regulation is necessary to address what they say is a growing problem..“The Office of the Ethics Commissioner should develop a clear and enforceable policy on how parliamentarians are to be held accountable when they disseminate disinformation targeting marginalized communities,” the report states.Dr. Nadia Hasan, director of the Research Hub, told reporters that the mechanics of such regulation would need to be carefully considered, but insisted there must be consequences. “I do think there has to be some accountability of blatant circulation of disinformation done in like really irresponsible ways that harm and put a target on the backs of already marginalized Canadians,” said Hasan.Elghawaby, whose office is listed as a donor to the Research Hub, said the findings will inform her advice to the federal government. .“The stakes could not be higher,” she said. “We must meet the moment.”The report echoes a 2023 recommendation from the National Council of Canadian Muslims, which called for mandatory corrections to media stories about Arab Canadians. At Senate committee hearings, the council’s advocacy officer Rizwan Mohammad argued that self-regulation by media outlets was failing and had contributed to increased targeting of ethnic and religious minorities, particularly during election cycles.“Elghawaby said her office will review the recommendations and begin discussions with decision-makers. “We have a duty to know. We have a responsibility to act,” she said.
