CBC: Teenage surfing star Erin Brooks granted Canadian citizenship, now sets sights on Olympics

OPEN LETTER to Immigration and Public Safety Minister on Palestinian study visa applications

Despite promises that processing would be completed in 10 days, more than 130 Palestinian students accepted into Canadian universities remain trapped in extreme delay, with some losing their admissions or risking their lives while waiting.  

I issued an open letter calling on Ministers Lena Diab and Gary Anandasangaree to immediately address this crisis. The government must apply existing flexibility rules for biometrics in Gaza, conduct a second review of rejected applications relying on generic refusal reasons, and establish a dedicated mechanism to ensure fair, individualized, and timely decisions. 

OPEN LETTER to Housing Minister on Right Fit Program Funding

I am once again calling on Housing Minister Gregor Robertson to secure stable, long-term federal funding for Disability Alliance BC’s Right Fit Program.  

As the only service of its kind in Canada, the Right Fit Program helps wheelchair users find accessible homes and serves as a vital homelessness-prevention line. Yet, recent federal funding cuts leave the program operating on just 38% of its Vancouver budget—leaving its future uncertain and wheelchair users without essential support during an acute housing crisis.  

We cannot claim to be serious about ending homelessness while underfunding the very programs that work. I urge the government to restore full funding immediately, meet with Disability Alliance BC, and make accessible housing a permanent priority.

Vancouver Sun: Muslim groups join calls for B.C. Conservative campaign manager to resign

A coalition of Muslim organizations has joined calls for the resignation of B.C. Conservative campaign manager Katy Merrifield over past social media posts slamming Islam.

In June, Merrifield reposted a message on social media that said “Islam is a literal rape culture.” Merrifield quickly removed it and said the comment was a momentary lapse caused by her own past trauma.

But critics note she has not apologized for it, and has continued to amplify anti-Islamic statements on social media, including ones referring to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a “jihad-loving mayor” and blaming Islam as a whole for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

On Tuesday, Musa Ismail, on behalf of Unified Muslim Associations in B.C. (UMABC), said party leader Lorne Doerkson should force Merrifield out.

Ismail said that, in the absence of action by Doerkson, no Conservative candidate is welcome at any Muslim centre or mosque during the B.C. election campaign.

UMABC joins the B.C. Muslim Association, NDP Leader David Eby, NDP Surrey City Centre candidate Amna Shah and Vancouver East MP Jenny Kwan, among others, in calling for Merrifield to step down.

Kwan called Merrifield’s comments “deeply disturbing and unacceptable” and said the posts stigmatize all Muslims and send “a chilling message” to B.C.’s Muslim communities.

“At no point has Merrifield apologized or taken responsibility for the hurt she has caused,” Kwan said in a statement. “Muslims are not collectively responsible for the actions of extremists, and no one should have to fear discrimination or hostility because of their faith.”

Doerkson did not address calls for Merrifield’s resignation in his public appearances in recent days.

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