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The official Twitter account of NCCM - the National Council of Canadian Muslims. RT≠endorsements UOI. Francais: @CNMC_Quebec

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We have been aghast, as have many across Canada, with the racist and Islamophobic messages put forward by BC Post-Secondary Education Minister @selinarobinson. Her suggestion Palestine was a “crappy piece of land with nothing on it” is horrendous, especially in the midst of ongoing war crimes where thousands of children have been killed in Gaza. It evokes the language of terra nullius, where the people of Palestine are imagined to be non-existent. Her language is beyond offensive. Organizations across British Columbia are calling for her resignation, including organizations like the Canadian Association of University Teachers. It is hard for us to understand, given this comment amongst many others, how she can be expected to remain a Minister in Premier Eby’s cabinet. We note that Premier David Eby has sent a comment sending a clear signal that Minister Robinson’s comments were wrong and unacceptable. Islamophobia is wrong. Anti-Palestinian racism is wrong. Minister Robinson has been engaged in a pattern of behaviour that is wildly unacceptable. Full stop. We do note that we also find Minister Robinson’s “apology” to be woefully lacking, and contains no acknowledgment of Islamophobia or anti-Palestinian racism. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with the Premier’s office to understand what action steps will be undertaken to make things right.

We have been aghast, as have many across Canada, with the racist and Islamophobic messages put forward by BC Post-Secondary Education Minister @selinarobinson. Her suggestion Palestine was a “crappy piece of land with nothing on it” is horrendous, especially in the midst of ongoing war crimes where thousands of children have been killed in Gaza. It evokes the language of terra nullius, where the people of Palestine are imagined to be non-existent. Her language is beyond offensive. Organizations across British Columbia are calling for her resignation, including organizations like the Canadian Association of University Teachers. It is hard for us to understand, given this comment amongst many others, how she can be expected to remain a Minister in Premier Eby’s cabinet. We note that Premier David Eby has sent a comment sending a clear signal that Minister Robinson’s comments were wrong and unacceptable. Islamophobia is wrong. Anti-Palestinian racism is wrong. Minister Robinson has been engaged in a pattern of behaviour that is wildly unacceptable. Full stop. We do note that we also find Minister Robinson’s “apology” to be woefully lacking, and contains no acknowledgment of Islamophobia or anti-Palestinian racism. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with the Premier’s office to understand what action steps will be undertaken to make things right.

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We want to begin by saying something very clearly. This weekend, at the NCCM & Islamic Relief Canada gala, the Mayor of Canada’s largest city, stood with us and spoke the truth: that what is happening in Gaza is a genocide. That truth matters. It matters to the mothers who have buried their children. It matters to those who have been silenced and vilified for saying what is obvious to anyone with eyes and conscience. And it matters to every Canadian who still believes that moral courage must guide public life. Mayor Chow’s words tonight were not about politics — they were about acknowledging the genocide in Gaza, and the path forward. It is an acknowledgment that has important policy implications, as we all know, because as well also all know, there are far too many who have not made this acknowledgment. Mayor Chow’s words tonight make it clear that recognizing genocide for what it is the only ethical imperative. The standard should be speaking the truth. What is happening is a genocide. The time where everybody had to sit around and pretend that what wasn’t happening wasn’t happening has passed. We don’t need to be bullied and cowed. That time is over, and it was over years ago. Speaking the truth is the only way to be decent right now. Everyone - and that includes our politicians - must speak the truth. As the Mayor also reminded us, there is still much wrong here in Toronto. And we’ve seen terrible things happen to shut down peaceful protests to stand against the genocide in Toronto over the past few years. There are communities who do not feel safe. There are systems that must be rebuilt. There is work that lies ahead. That is why NCCM exists. To call for justice in Gaza, and also justice everywhere in Canada. To challenge hate wherever it lives. In policy, in policing, in silence. To remind this country that our values mean nothing unless they apply to everyone.

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68,506 views • 7 months ago