China’s “national security” legislation is the state’s latest attempt to erode the rights & freedoms of the people of Hong Kong.
As a global
#HumanRights
leader, Canada will monitor this situation closely and take the appropriate action where necessary.
The disqualification of pro-democracy
#HongKong
candidates from the upcoming Legislative Council election is a blatant act of state-sponsored censorship and affront to the political process.
Canada will continue to
#StandWithHongKong
.
News of mass disqualifications of democrats taking place today in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong government have today disenfranchised the majority of the population by barring the representatives who receive the lion's share of the vote.
Insightful conversation with members of the Hong Kong - Canadian community about China’s proposed “national security” law.
This law would not only undermine the ‘One Country Two Systems’ framework, but is an affront to the fundamental
#HumanRights
of the citizens of
#HongKong
.
China's "national security" legislation stands in conflict with its international obligations under the principles of the legally-binding, UN-registered Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Canada will continue to defend the
#HumanRights
and freedoms of the citizens of
#HongKong
.
The human rights of Hong Kong citizens have once again been trampled by the abhorrent ruse of “national security”.
The latest mass arrest of over 50 activists is part of a growing threat to global democracy.
We must
#StandWithHongKong
.
Today, the Canadian parliament unanimously passed a motion to recognize May 18th as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day.
On this very important day, Canada becomes the first national parliament in the world to recognize May 18th of each year as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day.
Deeply troubled by the arbitrary detention of
#HongKong
activists, incl. Andy Li, by the Chinese Coast Guard.
The continued suppression of the fundamental freedoms &
#HumanRights
of Hong Kong citizens is alarming.
We will continue to
#StandWithHongKong
.
As we mark the 39th anniversary of the Canadian
#Charter
of Rights and Freedoms - one of the most consequential civil rights instruments in the world - ON is extending arbitrary powers to the police to undermine our civil rights.
Sad day for
#Ontario
&
#Canada
.
#onpoli
#cdnpoli
I am humbled and honoured to be sworn in as the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. I look forward to building on the good work of
@MarcMillerVM
,
@Carolyn_Bennett
& PM
@JustinTrudeau
. I will be committed to listening and advancing reconciliation in every waking moment.
Canada continues to
#StandWithHongKong
.
Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon.
@FP_Champagne
released the following statement in response to China's national security legislation➡️
We must protect the
#HumanRights
& freedoms of
#HongKong
citizens.
As part of a historic decision, Minister
@melaniejoly
, has announced that 🇨🇦 has imposed sanctions on the Rajapaksa brothers, along with two other state officials for their involvement in gross human rights violations in
#SriLanka
.
🔗 Full announcement:
Heartbroken to hear about the attacks in
#Srilanka
including on worshippers during
#EasterSunday
services. It falls on us to condemn acts of hatred and violence against ethnic and religious minorities . Thoughts are with the families, loved ones and communities of the victims.
Canada is leading the G20 in the share of residents vaccinated against COVID-19!
Thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister
@JustinTrudeau
, Hon.
@AnitaOakville
and our frontline heroes, Canadians across the country have unprecedented access to free, safe, and effective vaccines.
Today I rose in the House of Commons to urge members of the international community to take meaningful action in response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia.
On behalf of the Federal Liberal Caucus, Happy Tamil Heritage Month & Happy Thai Pongal!
Today,
#Tamils
from 🇨🇦 & around the world gather to
#celebrate
the first day of the Tamil calendar’s month, Thai & the 4 day Harvest festival,
#ThaiPongal
.
Iniya Pongal Nalvazhthukkal!
Congratulations to this beautiful couple on their traditional Hindu wedding officiated by Ranganathan Sarma Kurukal.
This moment is part of Canada’s journey towards marriage equality and an inclusive society. 🏳️🌈
#LoveIsLove
This Wednesday was truly unforgettable as I was sworn in as the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and I am incredibly grateful to have had my family by my side. This position holds great significance for me, & I am dedicated to tirelessly advancing reconciliation efforts.
When asked if I would run again as the
@liberal_party
candidate for Scarborough -Rouge Park, I looked at my two young daughters and knew I had to do it.
I had to run in order to help build a world where every girl is given the same chance to grow and succeed as every boy;
(1/3)
Legal Aid
#Ontario
provides access to justice & rights to some of the most vulnerable
#Canadians
.
Today, delighted to join PM
@JustinTrudeau
with my caucus colleagues to announce a $26.8M top-up fund.
On Feb 8th,
#HongKong
residents will be able to apply for new open work permits to
#Canada
.
Valid for up to 3 years, these permits will allow Hong Kong residents to gain valuable employment experience & make significant contributions to Canada.
Details➡️
On behalf of the Prime Minister
@JustinTrudeau
, Happy Thai Pongal and Tamil Heritage Month to all those celebrating! Iniya Thai Pongal Nalvazhthukkal!
I am honoured to be appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada. I look forward to working alongside Minister
@DavidLametti
to advance justice, equality & reconciliation in Canada🇨🇦 Thank you for this opportunity
@JustinTrudeau
🤝
Meet your new parliamentary secretaries: This talented and diverse team will work with Cabinet ministers and colleagues to create good jobs, grow the middle class, make life more affordable, tackle climate change, advance reconciliation, and more.
The steady erosion of the rights of
#HongKong
citizens is part of a growing threat to global democracy.
Today, Canada unveiled two new pathways to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents to help ensure access to safety, security, and freedom.
A look at the past and the present:
1) Members of Parliament gathered together for the final week of the 2018 parliamentary session in Centre Block.
2) Members of Parliament gathered together for the first week of the 2019 parliamentary session in West Block.
#cdnpoli
Tearing down memorial commemorating tens of thousands of Tamils killed in
#Mullivaikkal
is a despicable act by the
#SriLankan
govt. Justice & accountability must prevail to stop this vicious cycle of erasure & annihilation of Tamil identities experiences & history on the island
BREAKING – Authorities destroying Mullivaikkal memorial at Jaffna University
A monument paying tribute to the tens of thousands of Tamils massacred by the Sri Lankan state at the University of Jaffna is currently being bulldozed by authorities.
I strongly condemn the arrest of
#Mayor
of Jaffna V Manivannan by the Sri Lankan govt, and call for his immediate release.
The continued harassment & arbitrary arrests of members of the Tamil community including elected officials, journalists & human rights defenders must end.
Today marks the tenth anniversary of the MV Sun Sea. 492
#Tamil
refugees came to our shores seeking asylum in our western shores. All of them were detained for months, including children. We can, and must, treat refugees, especially children, with compassion and fairness.
Tonight, my daughter Sahana and I joined Prime Minister
@JustinTrudeau
and Hindu-Canadians across the country for a national, virtual
#Diwali
celebration.
From our family to yours,
#HappyDiwali
!
The
@liberal_party
is ready to finish the fight against
#COVID19
.
With over 63,000,000 doses delivered to date, we will continue doing whatever it takes to keep Canadians healthy and safe.
🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Happy
#IndependenceDay
#SriLanka
! We extend warm wishes to Sri Lankans and those of Sri Lankan origin celebrating on the island and around the world, including in
#Canada
. 🇨🇦🇱🇰
As we near the 12th Anniversary of the
#Mullivaikkal
#Genocide
, I rose in the house to pay tribute to our fallen Tamil brothers and sisters.
The march towards justice is long and painful, but we will continue until justice is served.
Today, I wrote the
#IMF
to ensure a financial bailout of
#SriLanka
has severe reductions on military spending. It’s imperative that food, education, health, & essential services are not cut. Military spending of over 15% of overall government expenditure is unacceptable.
#Cdnpoli
For me and my family personally, and the entire Tamil community,
#BlackJuly
and the anti-Tamil pogrom of 1983 will for ever be etched in our memories.
Thirty seven years on, we remember, we seek
#justice
, we will never forget.
Today, I held a press conference and called on our government to impose sanctions on both Gotabaya & Mahinda Rajapaksa for their role in the 2009 armed conflict in
#SriLanka
. The international community must stand up & ensure leaders who commit atrocities be held accountable.
Today, I rose in the House of Commons to deliver a statement about Sri Lanka's historical financial crisis. The corrupt regime led by Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa are accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity & genocide.
I stand in full solidarity with Tamil Guardian. This is a reprehensible move by Instagram to shut down
@tamilguardian
and to silence peaceful and democratic voices of the Tamil nation. This must stop. I call for an immediate reinstatement of this account.
STATEMENT
Instagram disables Tamil Guardian’s page in act of online censorship
An audience of over 19,000 followers will no longer be able to follow our coverage on Instagram. This is unacceptable.
See our full statement here:
@instagram
@Facebook
It pains me every time I think about the burning of the Jaffna Public Library. How much hate does it take to burn some of the most important Tamil books - full of history, knowledge and wisdom. Much of its collection cannot be replaced and it is lost forever.
41 years ago, On midnight 31st May 1981, the Jaffna Public Library, famous for being the crucible of Tamil literature and heritage, was set ablaze by Sri Lankan security forces and state-sponsored mobs. The burning has since been marked by Eelam Tamils as an act of genocide.
I'm thrilled to have been asked by Prime Minister
@JustinTrudeau
to serve as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Hon.
@Carolyn_Bennett
.
I commit to working tirelessly to advance Indigenous rights, incl. the full implementation of
#UNDRIP
.
On behalf of the Federal Liberal Caucus, we wish a happy Tamil Heritage Month & a Happy Thai Pongal! Iniya Pongal Nalvazhthukkal ☀️
Thai Pongal is an opportunity for Tamils around the 🌏 to come together & celebrate the first day of the month Thai, of the Tamil Calendar 🗓
Summer festival season is going strong in Bloor West Village at the Toronto
#Ukranian
Festival! 🇨🇦🇺🇦
Bring your family down for a day full of food, fun and live entertainment!
This is horrific and should have never happened. I asked the Speaker back in the Spring to ensure that the table reflect Canada. I hope this leads to much needed change in the operation of the house, including proper vetting process for special guests who are recognized.
The Speaker has now made it clear that he was responsible for inviting this individual to the House. The government played no role. It did not know he would be there. The PM did not meet him. I am deeply troubled this happened. I urge MPs to avoid politicizing this incident.
On the first Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, I rose in the house to honour and remember our lost Tamil brothers and sisters.
We will persist until justice prevails.
#TamilGenocideRemembranceDay
#NeverForget
Tonight, Scarborough’s very own
@theweeknd
made history as the first Canadian to headline the
#SBLV
Halftime Show.
Thank you for representing
#ScarbTO
and
#Canada
on the world stage!
.
@Jollibee
#Scarborough
is officially open!
It was my honour to join
#Jollibee
management and staff as they helped spread good luck and fortune to this new restaurant and to the members of our community!
The motion passed today is the culmination of years of hard work and advocacy by so many members of the Tamil community.
The genocide against innocent Tamil civilians on the island of Sri Lanka faces many human rights violations and an international community that seeks justice.
Fifty years ago, Yukon First Nations leaders travelled to Ottawa to present a document to then Prime Minister P.-E. Trudeau that would open the door to modern Treaties in Canada.
This Tamil Heritage Month we pay tribute to all Tamil-Canadian frontline and essential workers who have sacrificed so much during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep Canadians from coast to coast to coast safe.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
I condemn this horrific attack against Palestinians at the al Aqsa mosque by the Israeli forces. Targeting places of worship at any time is unacceptable - more so during the holy month of Ramadan and on the eve of Passover.
The Hon.
@cafreeland
represented 🇨🇦 to announce $14.3M in federal funds for the
@_TamilCentre
!
This is a result of generations of advocacy, hopes & aspiration of Tamil-Cdns to have a space that will bring the community together - a space to learn, to showcase, gather & reflect.
Statement by the Prime Minister on the first Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day
May 18, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement recognizing the first Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, which was unanimously adopted in Parliament last year:
Team Gary is getting excited for Election Day!! 🗳🗳🗳🗳
A
#vote
for the
@liberal_party
is a vote for:
📚 Student Success
🤝 Inclusive Communities
🔬 Research and Innovation
🚇 Investments in Infrastrucuture
#Elxn44
Free speech apparently is allowed when it suits the government.
@MarioArul
Burning effigy's will not correct the failures of consecutive GOSL. Regrettably, Sri Lanka has refused my Visa out right. It's reprisal for the work we do. We will not be silenced.
A few weeks ago in Vavuniya, Sinhala protestors (judging by the error-strewn Tamil placards) burnt effigies of
@JustinTrudeau
and
@gary_srp
. This is despicable and clearly orchestrated by state-affiliated forces, in response to JT's marking of Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day,..
Today on
@UN
#GenocidePreventionDay
we remember victims of genocide around the world.
Whether in
#SriLanka
,
#Myanmar
or
#China
- our commitment to "never again" holds us all responsible to prevent genocide and ensure justice and accountability for the victims.
Three years ago, Canada lost an extraordinary father, husband, parliamentarian and friend, Arnold Chan.
Today, as we listen to Arnold’s final speech to Canadians in the House of Commons, his message to give heart to our
#democracy
is as meaningful as ever.
Canada is leading the world in the share of total population with at least one COVID-19 vaccine! 🇨🇦💉
With more than 20 million vaccines set to arrive in June alone, our government has ensured that all Canadians who want to be fully vaccinated can be by the end of September!
My statement in solidarity with those Walking for Justice from Pottuvil to Polikandi.
The world must act with urgency to ensure that Tamils can live on the island of Sri Lanka with peace, justice, and self-determination.
#P2P
#TamilGenocide
#GenocideSriLanka
Great catching up with my dear friends
@RomeoSaganash
and
@LeahGazan
and reflecting on the long journey to get Royal Assent of C15. Thank you my friends for your collaboration and leadership.
#UNDRIP
This July marked the 40th anniversary since the anti-Tamil pogroms in Sri Lanka. As we commemorate this significant anniversary, we must renew our commitment to address the ongoing challenges faced by the Tamil community, both within Canada and internationally.
Truly honoured to have my family by my side as I was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, the Hon.
@Rodriguez_Pab
. Thank you, Prime Minister
@JustinTrudeau
for this incredible opportunity.
The Tamil Community Centre create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for
#ScarbTO
- Rouge Park residents.
Today, our government announced a federal investment of over $14.3 million in this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS).
By voting against compensating Survivors of Indian Day Schools, Pierre Poilievre and Conservative MPs are:
❌Denying justice for Survivors
❌Failing to right past wrongs
❌Undermining reconciliation efforts
We have to right this to move forward on the path of reconciliation.
An inspiring choice for VP in
@kamalaharris
. She becomes the first Black and Tamil women to be on a major ticket in the US. She will be an ardent advocate for minority rights around the world.
Thank you
@VijayThaniMPP
, MPPs from all parties, and the Tamil-Canadian community for supporting
#TamilGenocideEducationWeek
. The third reading was unanimously carried today by all parties.
This is an important step towards justice and recognition.
Vijayalayan “Vijay” Mathiyalaghan was a dedicated Tamil-Canadian who spent his life in service to Canada.
He served in the
@CanadianForces
, & more recently, in the
@OttawaPolice
as a Constable.
He was a son, a brother, & a friend, & will be deeply missed by many.
Tonight, Parliament confirmed the invocation of the Emergencies Act. The act was invoked to end the illegal blockades in Ottawa and across Canada. Here are some reflections from the past several weeks as a Canadian & Parliamentarian & the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions. 1/39
I took part in my first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Ottawa as minister. It was an honour to meet with Survivors, leaders, and community members as we remember the children who never made it home.
Humbled to visit the old block on Rue Airlie in LaSalle. 40 years ago, my mom and I arrived at Mirabel Airport as refugees to Canada.
Every day, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had, but also motivated to make our country better for all of us.
Today, in Ottawa, we discussed the profound impact of Black July on the Tamil community in Canada, and lack of accountability.
Let us continue to listen, learn, and share our stories, drawing strength from our struggles and shared experiences.
Deeply disappointed that
@handongontario
and
@RachaelThomasMP
encouraged
#Canadians
to invest in a failed state with a horrendous human rights record and endemic corruption. This was not a Gov of Canada 🇨🇦 sanctioned mission but rather 2 I’ll advised MPs going on a free trip.
Joined by 🇨🇦 MPs
@handongontario
&
@RachaelThomasMP
a delegation from Canada-Sri Lanka Business Convention just wrapped up a successful visit that included a series of high-level govt/business meetings aimed at exploring new investment in support of
#SriLanka
's economic recovery.
Honoured and privileged to take my seat today in Canada's 44th Parliament as the House of Commons resumes this week. I look forward to our government's Speech from the Throne and our plan to meet the needs of Canadians and Scarborough-Rouge Park🍁
I condemn the attack on
@skajendren
, MP, while the police stood idly by. This speaks to the continued impunity enjoyed by those who brazenly break the law.
#LKA
Tamil member of Parliament
@skajendren
was attacked by a Sinhala Mobs in presence of the police in Trincomalee Today .
#Kajenthiran
MP was injured in this attack.
Tonight, the National Council for Reconciliation Act received Royal Assent! I waved to the members of the transitional committee as I voted yesterday. It’s thanks to their tireless effort, advice and guidance, that the new Council will hold Canada to the path of reconciliation.
The courage, resolve & resilience of those who are marching is absolutely remarkable. Each & every one of them
#Muslims
#Hindus
#Christians
#Tamils
have put their lives & safety on the line to make their voices heard. The world must listen & act now.
#PottuvilToPolikandy
#P2P
Pottuvil to Polikandi Day 4 – The
#P2P
protest started today from Vavuniya new bus stand and headed towards Mannar. Tamils and Muslims in Vavuniya welcomed and joined demonstrators and went on to visit the Pandara Vanniyan statue and the Grand Jummah Mosque.
Today,
#Brampton
City Council unanimously voted to build our own
#mullivaikkalmemorial
. While the Sri Lankan regime attempts to whitewash their own blood stained history, we will do the opposite in Canada.
We will not forget the Tamil Genocide.
We remember the victims.
#ScarbTO
residents deserve equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Today, Scarborough Members of Parliament called upon the Government of Ontario to re-open the
#COVID19
vaccination sites at the Scarborough Health Network-Centenary Hospital and Centennial College Progress Campus.
38 years later, we will never forget the horrific events of
#BlackJuly
, the 1983 state-sponsored anti-Tamil pogrom on the island of
#SriLanka
.
Today, we must all recommit to stand with our brothers & sisters on the island & across the globe to collectively seek
#justice
.
Prime Minister
@JustinTrudeau
just announced that
#Canada
will double its annual contribution to the Global Partnership for Education from $90 M to $180 M over 3 years.
Investing in
#education
around the world will help more countries
#ShapetheFuture
.
#wef2018
I rose and spoke in the house on Sri Lanka's Independence Day to highlight the plight of the families of the disappeared in Sri Lanka.
A thorough, independent, international investigation that leads to truth and justice is needed now.
A very important correction by
@peelschools
. Thank you for listening and engaging the Tamil community. A lot of work lies ahead to support all students, notably racialized students at the PDSB.
Our tweet of June 4th caused significant hurt in the Tamil community and has been removed. This letter from Director of Education Peter Joshua outlines our plans to act on the concerns we have heard:
The Scarborough Subway Extension is coming!!
Today, the Government of Canada announced a federal investment of $2.26 Billion to facilitate the construction and completion of the three stop
#ScarbTO
Subway Extension!
We can now call him Mr. Speaker! So proud of my friend, The Honourable
@GregFergus
, for being elected as the first Black Speaker of our House. What a special moment for Canada!
On May 18th the Tamil-Cdn community honoured victims of the Mullivaikal genocide. The
#SL
govt continues to face allegations of genocide & war crimes
Saddened to see
@PeelSchools
enable systematic erasure of the experiences of Tamil community & renege on their pledged solidarity
The sanctions imposed by 🇨🇦 are a clear sign that those who are responsible for violations of international human rights law will be held accountable.
While the journey towards accountability is long and painful, I continue to march with the survivors to ensure justice prevails.
Knock.
Every.
Door.
✊🏽🚪
There’s no better way to spend the long weekend than canvassing alongside the hardworking members of Team Gary!
Join us as we continue on the road to
#elxn44
!
✨ Volunteer with Team Gary✨
📧 info
@voteforgary
.ca
☎️ 647-910-4279
It’s been an honour to serve residents in
#Scarborough
-Rouge Park for these past six years. Thank you for allowing me to be your voice in Ottawa to continue to make real change and build a more inclusive Canada for all. I look forward to continue to represent you as your MP.
The
@liberal_party
is committed to moving
#ForwardForEveryone
, incl. persons with disabilities.
✅Re-introduce a Disability Benefit Act
✅Implement an employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities
✅Support 5,000 work opportunities a year for young people w/disabilities
Honoured to be surrounded by my family, friends, role models and future leaders of Canada as I was sworn in for a second term as the Member of Parliament for Scarborough – Rouge Park.
Indigenous Peoples have a tireless advocate at Rideau Hall.
Productive meeting today with Governor General Mary Simon to keep walking the path of reconciliation. More to do.
📸 MCpl Matthieu Racette, Rideau Hall
From Victoria to Long Range Mountains & across Canada, join us in welcoming our first 20
#TeamTrudeau
candidates!
Together, we’ll keep working to deliver support for Canadians and keep Canada moving forward.
Click the link below to meet them ⬇️
On
#EmancipationDay
, we mark the abolition of slavery in Canada. Let’s recognize the resilience of the Black community as they faced anti-Black racism.
As we move forward, we must ensure that equality is embraced in all and build a truly inclusive society.