B.C. minister stepping down amid outcry from pro-Palestinian groups over 'crappy piece of land' remark

The B.C. NDP's minister of post-secondary education is stepping down from her cabinet position, days after sparking widespread outrage by describing the region where Israel was founded as a "crappy piece of land."

The B.C. NDP's minister of post-secondary education is stepping down from her cabinet position, days after sparking widespread outrage by describing the region where Israel was founded as a "crappy piece of land."

Selina Robinson's remark, which was made during an online B'nai Brith Canada panel last week, surfaced on social media on Friday, leading to mounting calls for her resignation by pro-Palestinian groups and others.

Premier David Eby confirmed she was vacating her ministerial role on Monday afternoon, describing the decision as "challenging but necessary."

"Selina's comments were wrong," Eby said. "They were belittling and demeaning to a community of people that is already under profound pressure given the war in the Middle East, and already feeling that their voices aren't being heard."

The premier spoke hours after abruptly cancelling another news conference approximately 45 minutes before it was scheduled to begin – a move some observers speculated was the result of the growing upset over Robinson's remark.

The MLA, who has represented the Coquitlam-Maillardville riding since 2013, will remain in the B.C. NDP caucus.

In a brief statement, Robinson said she had "previously decided not to run again in the next election" but would continue representing her constituents for the remainder of her term.