The provincial opposition landed in some hot water recently after an MLA engaged with a controversial post on social media.
Saskatoon MLA Jennifer Bowes liked an Instagram post referencing a pro-Palestinian rally, and call for a ceasefire inside the Legislative Assembly earlier in November. It was met with criticism from current government members, including Premier Scott Moe, and eventually forced a response from NDP leader Carla Beck.
On Monday, Bowes issued the following statement.
"Hate, in all its forms, has no place in this province or in this country. I have and will continue to condemn in the strongest possible way any act of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. Our party has a strong record of opposing all forms of hate and standing up for human rights.
Last week, I liked an Instagram carousel post (a social media post with multiple photos or videos embedded) calling for a ceasefire without looking at all the photos and videos. I have since heard from multiple different people who understandably have strong feelings on this long and painful conflict and on one of the chants featured in that carousel.
I have learned that for some in the Jewish community, they experience this slogan as deeply offensive and anti-Semitic. I have also heard from those who genuinely use the slogan as a call for the full rights and equality of all people, including Palestinians.
I apologize to anyone who was hurt by the impacts of the post. My intention was never to cause further division and, out of respect, I have removed the like. I have and will continue reaching out to members of both Jewish and Muslim communities as I am committed to fostering mutual respect, dialogue, and understanding as we work towards an end to all forms of violence and oppression."
First elected in 2020, Bowes is the opposition critic for Advanced Education, Innovation, and Status of Women, and the associate critic for Labour, along with being the Opposition Deputy Whip.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
