NDP House Leader Peter Julian received support from all members of the House of Commons on Monday to condemn the hate-fueled mass shooting by a white supremacist in Buffalo, New York, last Saturday.
“Canadians were horrified by the mass shooting perpetrated by a white supremacist this weekend. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and communities who lost loved ones in Buffalo,” said Julian. “The threat of far-right extremism and murderous ideologies also exist in Canada and must be confronted directly so that people can feel safe in their communities.”
The radicalization of individuals through websites promoting dangerous, white supremacist ideologies and access to race-based conspiracy theories is an increasing danger to Canadians. The government has a responsibility to ensure the horrific acts of domestic terrorism that occurred in Buffalo are not repeated in Canada, said the NDP.
Julian has a private member’s bill that calls for the banning of hate symbols like the Nazi emblem, Nazi flag, and confederate flag iconography in an effort to confront and outlaw these violent and re-traumatizing symbols from our society.
“New Democrats will always fight to stamp out against racism, hate and extremism in all their forms. Members of all political parties have a role to play in calling out hatred and violence wherever we encounter it,” said Julian. “We call on the Liberal government to confront the rise in white supremacy and race-based conspiracy theories online and take a stronger stance against racism, hate and extremism. This important work must take place in our communities, our political discourses and in our digital spaces.”