Irwin Cotler named Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism

We are pleased to share that Professor Emeritus the Hon. Irwin Cotler, OC, OQ, PC, BA’61, BCL’64, LLD’19, has been named Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism by the Prime Minister of Canada. Professor Cotler is the first incumbent of this role aimed at preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors through younger generations, and working to promote and defend pluralism, inclusion, and human rights.

As Special Envoy, Professor Cotler will support advocacy and outreach efforts with Canadians, civil society, and academia to advance Holocaust education, remembrance and research, and to combat antisemitism. He will work with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, and other ministers to inform Government of Canada policy and programming.

“We must never forget the painful lessons of the Holocaust, or the memories of those who lived through it. As Canada’s first Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Irwin Cotler will use his vast knowledge and experience to promote Holocaust education, remembrance, and research as we continue working with partners in Canada and around the world to fight against hate and intolerance. Because antisemitism has no place in Canada – or anywhere else,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau upon sharing the news.

“This appointment is a testimony to Professor Cotler’s extraordinary reputation, accomplishments, leadership, and remarkable energy and vision,” said Dean Robert Leckey. “We will proudly follow and support the contributions that the new Special Envoy will make to Canadian society and the world.”