National

Cotler appointed Canada's Holocaust envoy

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Nov, 2020 07:55 PM

Irwin Cotler, a former Liberal cabinet minster and long-time advocate for human rights, has been appointed Canada's first special envoy for Holocaust remembrance and combating anti-Semitism.

Pleased to join Britain-Israel APPG webinar today with Israeli Ambassador @TzipiHotovely and Professor @IrwinCotler ahead of annual commemoration of expulsion of Jews from Arab countries & Iran on 30th November. 850,000+ Jews faced persecution & fled their homes in 20th Century. pic.twitter.com/2RSfq0Labc
— CFoI (@CFoI) November 24, 2020

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is announcing the appointment today, saying Jewish communities in Canada and around the world face rising anti-Semitism.

Trudeau is affirming Canada's solidarity with Jewish people and the need to preserve the stories of the Holocaust in the face of hate and intolerance.

Cotler will lead Canada's delegation to the the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and will also work domestically to promote Holocaust education, remembrance and research.

The 80-year-old lawyer founded the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights in Montreal after retiring from federal politics in 2015, a career that included serving as Canada's justice minister under former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin.

Earlier this month, Cotler released a report he wrote on behalf of a coalition of international lawyers calling for a new global charter to protect the rights of imprisoned journalists in an increasingly hostile world.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Black bear suspected of killing llama

The statement says officers saw the black bear crouched over the remains of the llama as they arrived at the farm.

Black bear suspected of killing llama

Alaska quake prompts tsunami assessment for B.C.

The National Tsunami Warning Center in the United States issued tsunami warnings for a swath of communities following the quake off Sand Point, Alaska.

Alaska quake prompts tsunami assessment for B.C.

Liberals warn of 'consequences' over Tory motion

Liberal House leader Pablo Rodriguez called their move irresponsible and suggested the Liberals may in turn deem the eventual vote on the motion a confidence matter.

Liberals warn of 'consequences' over Tory motion

A look at the impact of plastics on human health

Ottawa's plan to add "plastic manufactured items" to the toxic substances list under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999) cites evidence that microplastic pollution has found its way into shorelines and surface waters, sediment, soil, groundwater, indoor and outdoor air, drinking water and food.

A look at the impact of plastics on human health

Police Respond to Multi Person Drug Overdose

The Surrey Fire Department, BC Ambulance Service, and the Surrey RCMP responded quickly and their efforts revived and then transported the people involved to the local hospital for further treatment.

Police Respond to Multi Person Drug Overdose

MPs approve in principle judges' training bill

The proposed legislation originated as a private member's bill from former interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose, which the Liberal government supported.