October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the advancements in the rights and liberties of women, girls, and gender-diverse people, celebrate their achievements, and recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equity, equality and human rights....
Leah Gazan Released the Following Statement on Orange Shirt Day, The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
Today I lift up survivors who have sacrificed so much by sharing their stories in order for people across Canada to know the truth about residential schools...
Leah Gazan Released the Following Statement to the Family of Johnson Redhead and the Community of Shamattawa First Nation
My heart breaks at the news that six-year-old Johnson Redhead was found deceased on Sunday morning. I extend my deepest condolences to Johnson’s family, friends, and the community of Shamattawa First Nation as they grieve this tragic loss.
Your deep sorrow is shared throughout Manitoba and Canada. May the outpouring of love bring some peace and comfort as you grieve.
We Need to Reset our Understanding of Humanity
Yesterday I found out about two very sad incidents that happened in Winnipeg. On Monday night, an Indigenous woman, Tammy Bateman, was killed by a police cruiser driving through a park toward an encampment. On Wednesday afternoon, a person was hit by a vehicle that drove into a protest responding to Tammy’s killing. I was asked to comment on this news but sometimes, before we speak, we need time to reflect. Humanity cannot be honoured in a quick tweet, a quick opinion without love. So, I had to really reflect on these very sad incidents, and sometimes there’s nothing to say...
Leah Gazan released the following statement on leaders withdrawing from Capital Pride events.
On August 22, Leah Gazan released the following statement:
"Pride has always been political. At the same time that hate-movements against 2SLGBTQ+ people are on the rise, so too are hate-movements growing against Jewish, Muslim, immigrant, Indigenous, and racialized communities. It is more important than ever for us to recognize the interconnection of these struggles and to work in solidarity to fight hate, violence, and oppression..."
Statement on Palestine Solidarity Protests on Campuses
On Tuesday, July 16th, NDP Critic for Post-Secondary Education Leah Gazan issued the following statement:
"For over eight months, protestors across Canada and throughout the world have repeatedly shown up in large numbers to protest the grave injustices committed by Israel in Gaza. Reports by neutral observers of violence against Palestinian civilians have been truly shocking, as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has suggested Israel’s military operations plausibly constitute a genocide. Most recently, The Lancet estimated the death toll in Gaza to be possibly more than 186,000, while experts say famine is now spreading throughout the region due to aid restrictions.
Leah Gazan Released the Following Statement to Families and Community on the Conviction of Jeremy Skibicki
Today, Jeremy Skibicki was found guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Rebecca Contois, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe.
No family should ever have to endure what these families faced from the justice system and all levels of government to ensure that their loved ones’ human rights are upheld...
Statement on National Indigenous Peoples' Day
Leah Gazan released the following statement on National Indigenous Peoples' Day:
“National Indigenous Peoples Day is a call to recognize and celebrate our history, heritage, and diversity; however, for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in Canada, this day can feel heavy with the burden of hurdles we must still overcome...
Statement on 5th anniversary of National Inquiry into MMIWG
On the 5th Anniversary of the National Inquiry into MMIWG, NDP critic for Women and Gender Equality, Leah Gazan, issued the following statement:
"Five years after the 231 Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) were tabled, the Liberal government is still failing to protect Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people—shamefully, only a handful of the 231 Calls for Justice have been implemented. This is unacceptable...
Red Dress Pilot Announcement Statement
Ahead of Red Dress Day, I am honoured to share the announcement that a Red Dress Alert Pilot will be launched in Manitoba, thanks to the hard work of families, survivors and grassroots leaders. This is a historic moment and a major step towards ending the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people.