NDP MLAs banned from some B.C. mosques after 'crappy' land comment from minister

Representatives from more than a dozen British Columbia mosques and Islamic associations have sent a letter to Premier David Eby calling for the minister of post-secondary education to be removed from her role.

Representatives from more than a dozen British Columbia mosques and Islamic associations have sent a letter to Premier David Eby calling for the minister of post-secondary education to be removed from her role.

They also say no NDP MLA or candidate for the next election is welcome in their sacred spaces until the premier takes action against Selina Robinson.

She has been facing heavy criticism and calls to resign since last week when she remarked in an online panel discussion hosted by B'nai Brith Canada that Israel was founded on a “crappy piece of land.”

She has since apologized in a social media post, saying her comments were “disrespectful,” and she had been referring to the land having limited natural resources.

She said in the post that her remarks diminished “the connection that Palestinians also have to the land,” and she apologized unreservedly.

Eby has said that Robinson's comments were wrong, hurtful and increase division in the province.

NDP creative director Heather Libby did not respond to questions about whether Robinson would be removed from cabinet but said in a statement that a party fundraiser scheduled for Sunday night, that was slated to include the premier and the rest of caucus, was being rescheduled.