28 years ago indigenous women in the Downtown Eastside marched for the first time to bring attention to the debilitating number of women and girls missing and murdered in their community. Twenty-eight years later, the RCMP indicates that there are 1,200 cases of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls across Canada. Many believe the numbers to be much higher. Communities across the country are still marching, still demanding action, and accountability. There is not one indigenous community in Canada that has not been touched by systemic racism and sexism that allow indigenous women and girls to be stolen from their loved ones, and I might add, indigenous men like Colten Boushie to be killed without repercussions. My heart is with the families and allies who are marching, once again, for justice. We need to honour the memories of the women and girls by demanding concrete action and justice, not just today but every single day:
Global News: Israel-Gaza: NDP calls for special immigration measures to reunite Palestinian families in Canada
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, NDP MP Jenny Kwan described Gaza as “the most dangerous place for children in the world” and called for special immigration measures so that Palestinian families in Canada could be reunited with their loved ones. Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly responded by saying that “too many” children and women have lost their lives, adding that 130 Canadians were able to cross the Rafah border on Sunday night.
