Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed Liberal MP and former minister of transport Omar Alghabra as its Special Envoy for Syria with a special focus on “inclusive governance” for the new regime that took over after the downfall of Bashar al-Assad.
Trudeau’s choice of Alghabra, who will advise on promoting “inclusive governance” and human rights, comes as Global Affairs Canad – Canada’s foreign service – faces scrutiny over promoting DEI initiatives overbroad.
Canada has committed to aiding the Syrian people in building an “inclusive and just society”, the press release on Alghabra’s appointment reads.
Alghabra, a Syrian Canadian, has been a vocal proponent of accepting Syrian refugees in the past.
“Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the people of Syria. With the appointment of Mr. Alghabra as Canada’s new Special Envoy for Syria, we are strengthening our efforts to promote dialogue, deliver critical humanitarian aid, and build a future where all Syrians can live in safety and dignity for years to come,” said Trudeau.
According to the press release, Alghabra’s role involves consulting with a broad spectrum of stakeholders to push for governance that includes all segments of Syrian society.
The Middle Eastern country has been riddled with warring factions for years and is in desperate need of basic infrastructure, economic stabilization, and counter-terrorism.
Canada’s has provided the country with significant financial aid, over $4.7 billion since 2016, and an additional $17.25 million announced last month.
Additionally, the Trudeau government has signalled openness to review sanctions against groups like Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham known for numerous violent attacks, as it assumes leadership over the country.
Reports suggest the Canadian government is mulling the decision to potentially lift these sanctions or reconsider HTS’s terrorist status.
HTS’s control over much of Syria after the fall of Damascus has many Western allies questioning whether the new government will honour its pledge to introduce democratic elections and represent the various ethnic and religious groups that make up Syria and the Levant.
