Selina Robinson quits B.C. NDP, citing antisemitism in caucus
CTV
A former British Columbia cabinet minister quit the New Democrat government Wednesday, citing antisemitism in the party caucus and indifference towards the problem.
A former British Columbia cabinet minister quit the New Democrat government Wednesday, citing antisemitism in the party caucus and indifference towards the problem.
Selina Robinson, who is Jewish, said she could no longer remain in the government because it was not properly addressing antisemitism in the province or among some of her former colleagues.
She said she will sit as an Independent.She had previously announced her retirement, saying she won't be running in the provincial election this October.
Asked if there were antisemitic voices in the caucus, Robinson said: “That's been my experience. There's been history of that. I'm aware of people who have said or done antisemitic things over time. They've apologized or not.”
She said she felt her voice was no longer being heard within the party.
“I can't continue to be the only voice speaking up against antisemitism and Jew hatred,” said Robinson. “All of this has made Jewish people feel unsafe and I have shared all of this with the premier's office over the last five months and I continue to be the only one who is saying we have to do something differently.”
Robinson resigned her cabinet post as minister of post-secondary education last month after saying modern Israel was founded on “a crappy piece of land.”
