Leaders Condemn Hateful Rhetoric at Vancouver Rally
Vancouver, October 9, 2024 — Political leaders across Canada have condemned the disturbing events that took place during a pro-Palestinian rally in Vancouver, where participants were seen chanting “death to Canada” and burning Canadian flags. The rally, organized by the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, was held to mark the anniversary of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
Videos circulated online showed a masked woman leading chants of “death to Canada, death to the United States, and death to Israel,” sparking widespread outrage. Several political figures, including federal and provincial leaders, have strongly denounced the violent rhetoric.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called for Samidoun to be added to Canada’s list of terrorist entities, citing its open support for groups like Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, both of which are already classified as terrorist organizations by Canada.
British Columbia Premier David Eby condemned the speech, emphasizing that such hateful messages have no place in the province, while the Vancouver Police Department has launched an investigation into whether any criminal offenses were committed during the rally. Although no arrests have been made, police are responding to concerns from the community over the protest’s inflammatory content.
This incident has heightened tensions across the country, with many calling for stronger measures against groups promoting hate and violence.