We’ve just published our weekly edition of Muslims in The House for the week of May 13 - May 17.
This week’s edition covers issues relating to the Project Ramadan, the Environment and the Asylum System.
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And please don't forget to get your Eid Dinner Tickets. Last year we sold out well before the event. We hope to use this dinner as a forum that will allow attendees to meet and greet with politicians running for election and help people make an informed and educated decision at the ballot box. This year we are expecting each of the party leaders to address the 1000+ guests.
Project Ramadan
MP Salma Zahid (Scarborough Centre, ON - Lib), a Muslim Member of Parliament, extended well wishes to the Muslim community for Ramadan. She acknowledged that the month of Ramadan is one where Muslims focus on patience, empathy, community, and charity; all of which are important values that Canadians share. MP Zahid is “proud to be a member of the Muslim community,” which she said adds to the fabric of diversity that “makes Canada strong.”
MP Iqra Khalid (Mississauga—Erin Mills, ON - Lib) recognized the efforts of a grassroots, community initiative called Project Ramadan. Organized by the Muslim Welfare Centre, Project Ramadan brings together members of the local community to prepare baskets of food for families in need. Over 6000 families are served by Project Ramadan. MP Khalid thanked the Muslim Welfare Centre for capturing the spirit of Ramadan and helping those in our communities that need support.
Climate Change and the Environment
MP Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC - NDP) accused the Liberal government of hypocrisy on their approach to addressing climate change. His comments were prompted by the Liberals, what he categorized as, “scrambling about in a frenzy and putting on a big show” about climate change. MP Boulerice called it hypocrisy because this is the “same government that pipeline with taxpayers' money and gives millions of dollars in handouts to oil companies.” MP Peter Julian (New Westminster—Burnaby, BC - NDP) asked the Government how they are committing to addressing the current climate emergency when the Government is purchasing pipelines and subsidizing the fossil fuel industry.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, MP Catherine McKenna took exception to the comments from MP Boulerice. She emphasized that we are in the midst of a climate emergency and that Canada has a responsibility to meet the international obligations it agreed to.
Changes to Asylum System
MP Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East, BC - NDP) spoke to the changes that the Government included in a recent omnibus bill before the House. MP Kwan spoke to how the proposed changes would disproportionately negatively impact women and girls fleeing violence and oppression. MP Kwan cited 46 women’s organizations that wrote to the Prime Minister criticizing this decision.
MP Bill Blair, the Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to a “fair and compassionate refugee protection system” and that Canada will provide protection to any individual seeking it.