MP for Edmonton Strathcona. Mom of 2 amazing kids. Foreign Affairs Critic and NDP Whip. Oilers fan & dog lover. Let’s keep Strathcona progressive! She/Her/Elle
The Palestinian right to statehood is nearly universally recognized. Nearly - Canada is yet to recognize Palestinian statehood. Today, I tabled a motion calling on Canada to recognize the State of Palestine.
Watch the press scrum on the motion.
Canada should not be sending arms to Israel in violation of the Arms Trade Treaty, and we should not be buying arms tested on Palestinians under occupation and in the war on Gaza. We need a two-way arms embargo now.
While Netanyahu bombs children in Rafah, a place Palestinians were told would be safe, the Canadian gov’t authorizes millions in new military exports to Israel. Minister Joly is not being honest!
This could make Canada complicit in war crimes & genocide. Canadians expect better!
Canada was part of the Saudi-led coalition that horrifyingly bombed Yemen for nearly a decade. Now Canada is joining a new round of airstrikes on the Houthis. Parliamentarians were not consulted. At this dangerous moment the Liberals are making dangerous choices. /1
Liberals stop funding to UNRWA, a lifeline for millions innocent civilians, the day ICJ ruled there is risk of genocide in Gaza. Children will die b/c of 🇨🇦 decision. Why are Canada’s Liberals siding with the Conservatives to abandon Palestinians in their greatest hour of need?
The Prime Minister pulled funding to UNRWA as Palestinians face starvation. All we hear from the PM are empty words. He's “concerned” but he won’t end arms transfers to Israel, won’t reinstate $ to UNRWA, & won’t help Canadians trapped in Gaza. Why abandon Palestinians?
Today, we have devastating news from our team in
#Gaza
. Our lifesaving water truck has been bombed. For over six months, it helped us deliver clean drinking water to tens of thousands, serving as a lifeline in northern and central Gaza.
I am politically sponsoring
#ArmitaAbbasi
, a young Iranian woman who has been subjected to brutal torture in prison. Armita must be freed NOW. We stand in solidarity with the brave people of
#Iran
who deserve freedom and full respect for their human rights.
#WomenLifeFreedom
I am horrified by the images from Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza and more IDF attacks on humanitarians. Canadian Parliamentarians have demanded an arms embargo, a ceasefire and immediate action to end this horror. Where are you now
@MelanieJoly
@JustinTrudeau
?
Canada pulled funding for UNWRA without any investigation and now Gazans are facing starvation amidst Israeli bombardment. Please sign this petition calling on the Government of Canada to restore UNWRA funding.
Canadians are paying some of the highest fees for cell phones and internet bills in the world because this government refuses to do what's right for Canadians and put the needs of people ahead of big telecom. Canadians need a price cap on their cellphone and internet bills.
Come on Manitoba! Let’s do this! Let’s elect Canada’s first Indigenous premier - the amazing, brilliant, caring, and competent Wab Kinew.
He is great for Manitoba.
He is great for Canada.
The illegal Coutts blockade cost the Alberta economy $864,000,000.
Jason Kenney and the UCP refused to do anything about it.
When the UCP gov't fails to protect Alberta people & economy, the federal government must step in.
I have set up a reoccurring donation to
@UNRWA
.
UNRWA provides lifesaving support to innocent Palestinian civilians. I believe in the work they do & I stand in solidarity with the 30,000 workers providing life-saving humanitarian aid.
Donate here:
It has been 1000 days since the IRGC murdered 176 people, including 55 Canadians & 13 Edmontonians by shooting down
#PS752
.
A 1000 days that the families have called for justice.
The Canadian gov’t must stop their half measure & finally support Iranians & our Iranian diaspora.
I wrote to
@melaniejoly
asking Canada not to oppose South Africa’s application to the ICJ on Gaza & to accept the Court’s decision. Canada must stand for justice for all people and let the Court do its work. Read my letter below.
#CeasefireNOW
I am a cancer survivor.
I did not choose to get cancer and getting cancer was not “in my control”.
I am alive today because (unlike many Albertans) I have a family doctor who knew me and my medical history, and I live in a country with universal, publicly delivered health care.
All states, including 🇨🇦, have a responsibility to end suffering in Gaza. Canada’s decision to halt to UNRWA funding is wrong. Investigations must proceed, but this punishes the starving people of Gaza who need a ceasefire and for whom UNRWA is one of their only sources of help.
Hello
@cafreeland
! I don’t always agree on the decisions made by your government, but on behalf of the vast majority of Albertans who are kind, generous and decent, you are welcome here.
Canada must demand a
#CeasefireNOW
. I’m disappointed the other parties refused to give unanimous consent to my motion to call for a ceasefire and return of all hostages. Over 4000 Palestinian children have been killed. Enough.
Oh Ottawa! Thank you for standing up for trans kids tonight! 🩵🩷🤍
This is outside Danielle Smith’s reception this evening in Ottawa. Smith needs to know Canadians will continue to fight her fascist, ideologically driven agenda everyday.
#transrightsarehumanrights
What a horrible thing to do! Embedding misogynistic tags to appeal to incels and people promoting violence against women is disgusting behaviour. This man (and his team) should never be in charge of running this country.
The Palestinian people have the right to a state.
My motion calls for this important step to move peace and justice forward for Palestinians and for Israelis, who all deserve to live in safety and with full recognition of their human rights.
At Foreign Affairs Committee, tonight I will move a motion to ask for all documents on arms exports to Israel be published online & for the govt to provide information on all open arms exports to Israel. It’s clear the Liberals are dragging their feet & Canadians deserve answers.
Thanks to our
@NDP
motion, Canada is the first G7 country to stop sending weapons to Netanyahu’s extremist govt.
In addition, the NDP pushed the Liberals to take 8 important steps towards peace. The work isn’t done but significant steps have been taken.
Canada’s parliament has voted to stop arms sales to Israel. They are absolutely right to do so. Given the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, including widespread and growing starvation, the U.S. should not provide another nickel for Netanyahu’s war machine.
I am deeply concerned by the increasing acts of violence and the continued deterioration of human rights in India.
The gov’t of 🇨🇦 must condemn the violence targeting Muslims and ensure human rights are protected around the world.
My statement in full:
Incredibly powerful testimony from the
#tigray
community this evening.
I have committed to pushing the 🇨🇦 gov’t to act w/ urgency to deliver of humanitarian aid, increase refugee support & work for an international investigation.
Thank-you
@unitedtegaruca
for your advocacy.
I am calling for the Foreign Affairs Committee to study listing the IRGC as a terrorist entity. I hope the Liberals and Conservatives will support my motion. 1/3
Disgusting moment in the house as Conservatives cheered when I call out the Canadian gov't for arming Israel. Conservatives cheering the killing of innocent children - totally depraved.
This is unconscionable and this event should be cancelled immediately by DND. New Democrats have called for a two-way arms embargo. Canada should not be purchasing anything “battle-tested” on Palestinian civilians under occupation and in the war on Gaza.
Devastated by killing of Canadian Jacob Flickinger.
@WCKitchen
says Jacob & other aid workers were targeted systematically by IDF. These are war crimes. Canada must not only demand justice but must end arms sales, demand
#ceasefirenow
, impose sanctions.
Jacob Flickinger, the US-Canadian citizen killed by the IDF while delivering food aid in Gaza, was a retired master corporal who served 11 years in the Canadian Army including a tour in Afghanistan.
He was dad and sole provider to a one-year-old baby boy.
Canada should be pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza - instead, the Liberals are joining another military action with no sense of what could come next, including what harm this could cause to the peace process in Yemen or to civilians both in Yemen and in the wider region. /2
With all due respect Minister, I have told you repeatedly that
@UNRWA
is the best (and in some cases, the only) way to get life-saving support to Palestinians.
Canadian humanitarian organizations do incredible work but in this extremely difficult context, UNRWA is essential.
We’re committed to working with our trusted partners to deliver life-saving assistance to Palestinian civilians. Today, I visited a
@redcrosscanada
warehouse in the GTA, where they store and dispatch emergency relief supplies, including to Gaza.
Every day we learn of more horror. Canada must support all investigations by international courts. Foreign journalists must be allowed into Gaza to report freely. The world needs to know.
#CeasefireNow
As revealed by
@readthemaple
, Canada is hosting Israeli weapons' test sessions on technology used to kill Palestinian children. NDP MP
@LMathys
challenged the Minister to respond in QP today.
“Deeply concerned” but doing nothing to stop it. It has been 4 months and your government has done NOTHING to hold Netanyahu's govt to account for the bloodshed. Everyone deserve peace and safety. Please Minister Joly, you have the power to do something - stop talking, and act.
We are deeply concerned by reports of an Israeli military operation in Rafah. It would have devastating impact, putting the lives of Palestinians and foreign nationals,including 🇨🇦s, seeking refuge in grave danger and making the vital delivery of humanitarian aid dangerous. 1/2
The Canadian gov't cut funding to
@UNRWA
, the ONLY organization able to save lives in
#Gaza
, even though they had received no evidence of wrongdoing and an independent investigation was underway. Someone needs to be accountable for abandoning Palestinians in their greatest need.
I presented the 9th largest petition in Canadian Parliamentary history this week. Over 82,000 Canadians are calling on the Canadian gov’t to take action to save lives & end potential complicity in war crimes and ethnic cleansing.
Today, in Foreign Affairs Committee, I put forth a motion to demand that the Minister provide the committee with the documents on arms exports to Israel promised in February.
Shockingly, Canada continues to support Israel in the ICJ case on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This is another shameful lack of courage from Canada at a time when Palestinians need full recognition of their human rights – and statehood.
Here's how
@GAC_Corporate
explained to us why Canada has dropped out of its oral presentation at the
@CIJ_ICJ
today regarding Israel and the West Bank.
#cdnpoli
No one - absolutely no one - should be threatened by someone with a nail gun.
We must all be equally horrified by attacks on the Palestinian community as we are with any other community. Canada must be safe for all to protest peacefully.
What is fast becoming clear is the constant rush to misrepresent pro-Palestinian protests as threatening is both wrong and dangerous, as are attempts to obscure the facts around why peaceful protests are happening.
This is creating more divisions that are leading to violence and…
Unbelievably, the Canadian govt cut funding to
#UNRWA
- the ONLY organization that can provide life-saving support for millions of Palestinians who are facing starvation, with no access to water, health care, medicine or fuel.
This is collective punishment. This is criminal.
The Canadian government suspended funding to UNRWA without seeing any evidence to back up Israel's claims of collusion with Hamas, and Canadian officials still have not seen any evidence.
Alberta Energy Regulator CEO refuses to answer my questions about when the AER informed Alberta's UCP government of the Kearl site toxic tailings seepage first reported to the AER in May 2022.
New Democrats have been asking for clear answers on Canada’s military exports for years – including exports to Israel. My motion to compel documents passed at the Foreign Affairs Committee. We may finally get some answers.
This is how the Emergency Act is supposed to work. It was enacted when we had an emergency, used to clear our capital city and our borders, and has now been revoked.
I look forward to the inquiry that will follow as a legal requirement of the EA.
The arrests of Sikh activists, restriction on public gatherings, & shut down of internet services in the
#Punjab
is extremely worrying. I join
@theJagmeetSingh
in expressing my deep concerns and in urging the 🇨🇦 gov’t to use
diplomatic pressure to protect human rights.
The U of A community lost 10 people in Flight 752. The memorial today made one thing very clear.
Pedram Mousavi
Mojgan Daneshmand
Arash Pourzarabi
Pouneh Gourji
Elnaz Nabiyi
Nasim Rahmanifar
Amir Saeedinia
Mohammad Mahdi Elyasi
Saba Saadat
Sara Saadat
You were loved.
In light of Liberal ministerial statement on the South Africa’s application at the ICJ, I want to reiterate the NDP’s call for the Liberals to not intervene against this case, allowing the ICJ to investigate claims brought forward and respect the outcome. 🧵1/4
In February 2022 (7 months ago), I called out Poilievre's & CPC's support of Diagolon in the House.
Now, Poilievre claims he's never heard of the group.
Canadians know better. Time for Poilievre to stop playing footsie with violent racists.
It is utterly inexcusable that MPs, their families, and even their staff have been targeted by the Chinese government.
The only thing that will restore Canadians trust in our democracy is an fully independent, public inquiry!
Canada is gravely concerned by the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I went to the border to hear first hand the unacceptable challenges aid organizations are facing getting in even the most basic amounts of aid.
Friday, I raised a point of privilege about Canada's refusal to answer my questions on military exports to Israel.
Saturday, media reported
@melaniejoly
approved $28.5M of new military exports to Israel since October. Shocking!
Watch my speech here:
What is the government doing? Who is in charge here?
Do the Liberals not understand that people are dying in Gaza while they waffle? This is absurd and would be laughable if it wasn’t so horrific.
Incredibly, the Conservative Party of Canada just voted against the allocation of $408 Million for affordable housing this year.
Pierre talks about housing but Canadians need to know that when it actually counts, he doesn’t care about Canadians struggling to afford housing.
Today, I tabled Bill C-387 to protect the Canada Pension Plan from Conservatives like Danielle Smith and Pierre Poilievre.
The CPP is a critical part of Canadians’ retirement security. We must protect it!
Tomorrow Canada’s Parliament will debate our
@NDP
motion calling on Canada to act to end the horror in Gaza, and work for peace for Palestinians and Israelis. We are asking all parties to support our motion in the vote on March 18.
As this horror continues in Gaza, Canada does nothing to stop it. Starving civilians are not a target! Suspend arms sales, call for a ceasefire, fund UNRWA now!
Over 70 lives lost in Gaza City as the Israeli army opened fire at a desperate crowd seeking humanitarian aid. This is an appalling disregard for human life! People are desperate for aid and need to access assistance safely.
We have asked the government of Canada for information on
@ShoumanMansour
. We are extremely concerned for him and are baffled by Canada’s inability to confirm his whereabouts or well-being. The PM must ask Israel directly. This terrible war in Gaza must end.
Canada condemns the extremist settler violence against Palestinians and their property in the West Bank, including the death of two Palestinians. We also condemn the death of an Israeli youth.
Five men, five Conservative male MPs, filibustered another meeting in the Foreign Affairs Committee so they don’t have to look at
#WomensRights
around the world. Disgusting!
#WomensRightsAreHumanRights
The
@NDP
will fight for the protection of human rights of Palestinians. 🇨🇦 must:
✅ demand an independent investigation into the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh
✅ denounce Israel’s plan to forcibly expel people from
#MasaferYatta
✅ respond to
@amnesty
’s findings of apartheid.
You know what’s awesome? When your daughter turns 18 right before what is arguably the most important election in a generation and you get to vote together for a better province! 2 more for the ABNDP!
#votendp
#albertaelection
I asked
@Bill_Morneau
if Cargill, a company owned by billionaires using a tax haven in Luxembourg has received any federal
#COVID19
funding? Unbelievably, this was the government's response. The government should be ashamed of their non-answer.
#Answerthequestion
#cndpoli
Bombing a playground is a war crime - it doesn’t matter where it happens - for our common humanity - targeting children must never be allowed.
#CeasefireNOW
The
@NDP
is calling on the Liberals to ban entry to Canada to extremist settlers involved in attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank.
The US, UK and EU are sanctioning extremist settlers – it’s time for
@MelanieJoly
and
@MarcMillerVM
to do the same.
A Canadian citizen was murdered on Canadian soil.
This goes beyond partisan politics. This is a moment for all Canadians to stand together for our sovereignty and the safety of all Canadians regardless of their faith.
The fact that Conservative MPs are absent is abhorrent.
.
@CPC_HQ
MPs are absent in the House of Commons today, avoiding any participation in debate on India foreign interference. Harper and UDI are closely tied to India’s PM Modi.
Pierre Poilievre can not be properly briefed, as he refuses to get a security clearance. Why?
#cdnpoli
I have been horrified by reports coming from
#Tigray
for many months. Today’s report by
@amnesty
&
@hrw
documenting killings, detention, rape, denial of humanitarian aid and many other atrocities must spur greater action by the international community!
4324 children have been killed and 1350 are missing under the rubble in Gaza.
Canadians from coast to coast to coast are calling for a
#CeasefireInGazaNOW
but both the Liberals and Conservatives blocked my motion.
How many dead children is enough for this gov’t to act?
Canada has opposed ICC and ICJ investigations of crimes committed by Hamas and the Netanyahu gov’t.
South Africa has appealed to the ICJ to determine whether Israel is responsible for genocide in
#Gaza
.
Will Canada support the International Court of Justice in its work?
Today every MP in the House of Commons supported my motion to recognize that the Russian Federation is committing genocide against the Ukrainian people. 🇺🇦
#ukrainiangenocide
Hard-working Canadians contributed to the CPP. This is not Smith’s money. This is not the Conservatives’ money. This money belongs to Canadians.
When will Pierre Poilievre come clean with Canadians? Does he support Smiths terrible plan or not? Canadians deserve to know!
Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace. Today, in Question Period, I asked the Government to stand up for international law and call for a
#ceasefire
.
Palestinians must be protected.
We welcome sanctions on Hamas - but when will Canada sanction violent extremist settlers and Israeli officials who engage in genocidal rhetoric and incitement against Palestinians?
Conservatives, led by
@GarnettGenuis
and
@MichaelChongMP
, have filibustered the foreign affairs committee for almost 8 hours to prevent a motion studying reproductive rights around the world from passing.
The vast majority of Palestinians being killed in Gaza are women and children.
As Allan Rock testified at the Foreign Affairs Committee, “Gaza has become a graveyard for children.”
We need a
#CeaseFire
now.
The violence against civilians - against children - must stop. These are war crimes. These are crimes against humanity. The people of
#Tigray
must be protected and allowed to live in peace. Canada can and must play a bigger role in ending this horror!
Where are Canada’s sanctions
@MelanieJoly
?
The Parliament of Canada voted for sanctions against extremist settlers on March 18. A month later - still nothing.
The EU has adopted sanctions against extremist settlers:
🚫 4 individuals
🚫 2 entities (Lehava and Hilltop Youth)
They are responsible for serious human rights abuses against Palestinians, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
⬇️
1 month after the ICJ ordered “immediate & effective measures” to protect Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip from the risk of genocide by ensuring sufficient humanitarian assistance and enabling basic services, Israel has failed to take even the bare minimum steps to comply.
Canada’s shocking vote at the UN goes against our own policy opposing settlements. Former Ambassador to UN Blais is right: this is a devastating decision and the cost is enormous.
The Liberals are failing to meet this terrible moment. Why?
#CeasefireNOW
Canadians need to ask our government, the rationale behind this devastating decision for Canada’s standing in the world.
From my experience, the 🇺🇸 did not ask us to side w/them.
We did this on our own. But why? Because the cost is enormous, we should be told the reason.