The Trudeau government names a veteran diplomat the replace Irwin Cotler as Canada’s special envoy on Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism.

Deborah Lyons has been appointed to a two-year term after Cotler, a former justice minister, held the position since 2020.

In announcing her appointment, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Lyons will be a ”critical voice” in fighting antisemitism and preserving the memory of the Holocaust so that younger generations know the truth and how antisemitism continues.

Based on police reports, Jewish people remaining the target of most hate crimes in Canada.

Prior to this Lyons was Canada’s ambassador to Israel from 2016 – 2020, ambassador to Afghanistan 2013-26 and deputy ambassador to the U.S. from 2010 – 2013.