FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 07, 2026
Canadian Parliamentarians welcome Afghan colleagues to Parliament Hill
OTTAWA, ON — Today, five Canadian Members of Parliament from across party lines are welcoming Afghan Members of Parliament to the House of Commons, marking an important moment of solidarity with those who have fought for democracy, human rights and the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
Working with human rights activist Corey Levine – the driving force behind this initiative – MPs Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc Quebecois), Elizabeth May (Green Party), Heather McPherson (New Democratic Party), Marcus Powlowski (Liberal Party), and Alex Ruff (Conservative Party) along with former MP Leah Taylor Roy (Liberal Party) collaborated across party lines to help bring these Afghan parliamentarians to safety in Canada.
Location: Foyer of West Block
Time: Approx. 1:30 PM ET
At a time when the world is increasingly dangerous and divided, their presence in Canada is a bright shining light.
“In a world that too often feels defined by division, conflict and uncertainty, today is a reminder of what solidarity and cooperation can achieve,” said Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, MP of Lac Saint Jean. “We are grateful to have our Afghan colleagues here with us, and we look forward to continuing to work together to make real change for people here and around the world.”
“We are so pleased to welcome our Afghan colleagues to Parliament today,” said Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich – Gulf Islands. “When people from different political parties come together and put our differences aside to help people who are in danger, we can accomplish extraordinary things.”
The situation facing women and girls in Afghanistan remains horrific with gender apartheid. The Taliban have systematically stripped women and girls of fundamental rights, including access to education, employment, public life and freedom of movement. The United Nations has described Afghanistan as the only country in the world where women and girls face such far-reaching restrictions on their rights.
“As Canadians, we have a moral obligation to do everything within our power to protect and advance women’s rights, both here at home and around the world,” said Heather McPherson, MP for Edmonton Strathcona. “We cannot accept a world where women and girls are erased from public life. We must stand with the women of Afghanistan and with those who continue to fight for their rights and freedoms.”
The visit provides an opportunity for Canadian and Afghan parliamentarians to meet, share experiences and continue working together on behalf of people in Afghanistan, Canada and around the world.
“Six Canadian MPs from different political parties, inspired by Ms. Corey Levine, came together to help make this possible. That is what Parliament can look like when we focus on what unites us and get to work,” said Alex Ruff, MP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “We may not agree on everything, but we can work together to get things done. We have already seen what is possible, and I look forward to continuing that work.”
“Our Afghan colleagues have shown extraordinary courage in standing up for their communities and for democratic values,” said Marcus Powlowski, MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River. “Their presence here is a reminder that solidarity matters, that Canada can make a difference.”
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Media Contact:
Office of Heather McPherson, MP for Edmonton Strathcona
[email protected]