Democracy Archives - Ratna Omidvar

News Release: Senators Call for Release of Jimmy Lai, Hero for Hong Kong Democracy

Senator Leo Housakos, Senator Ratna Omidvar, Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne, Senator Rebecca Patterson, and Senator Pierre Dalphond Senate of Canada December 15, 2023 Democracy, human rights

The Senate adopted a motion jointly introduced by members of each group calling on Hong Kong authorities to release peaceful pro-democracy campaigner and publisher Jimmy Lai.

Panel Discussion: The Evolving Situation in Afghanistan and Canada’s Role

Mustafa Aryan The Canadian International Council’s Toronto Branch July 7, 2023 AfghanRefugees, Democracy, gender-based violence, human rights, refugees

Senator Omidvar joined the Canadian International Council’s Toronto Branch to discuss the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan.

Russian Political Prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza Should Receive Honorary Canadian Citizenship

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada June 13, 2023 Citizenship, corruption, Democracy, human rights, Sanctions, Ukraine

Senator Omidvar spoke in support of the motion that the Senate bestow the title “honorary Canadian citizen” on Vladimir Kara-Murza and call for his immediate release.

MPs say Russian Activist Vladimir Kara-Murza Should be Given Honorary Citizenship

Dylan Robertson The Canadian Press June 2, 2023 Citizenship, corruption, Democracy, human rights, Ukraine

In this excerpt from The Canadian Press, Senator Omidvar calls for Russian political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza to be granted honorary Canadian citizenship.

Press Release: All Party Group Calls for Honorary Canadian Citizenship for Detained Russian Dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza

Senator Ratna Omidvar and Irwin Cotler Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights June 1, 2023 Citizenship, corruption, Democracy, human rights, Ukraine

Senator Omidvar hosted a press conference with Irwin Cotler and the Co-Chairs of the All-Party Caucus for Freedom for Vladimir Kara-Murza.

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What is the Government’s Position on the Plan to Remove an Electoral Riding in Toronto?

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada April 28, 2023 Democracy, Elections, Toronto

Senator Omidvar asked Senator Gold what the government's position is on a redistribution plan that will result in Toronto losing an electoral riding.

Journalists Are Not An Inconvenience, They Are Truth-Tellers

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada April 28, 2022 corruption, Democracy, human rights, Statements

Senator Omidvar made a statement in support of journalists around the world who have been jailed because of their work.

Question to Minister Gould: Amending the Parliament of Canada Act

Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada October 24, 2018 Democracy, Question Period, Senate Modernization

"As we all know, the Parliament of Canada Act is out of step with the increasing independence of the Senate. The independent senators are now the largest group in the Senate, but the Act doesn't reflect this."

Speech: S-239 – An Act to Amend the Canada Elections Act

Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada November 2, 2017 Bill S-239, Chamber Speeches, charities, Democracy, digital governance, Elections, Senator Frum, social media

The big picture tells us that foreign influence is more pervasive than any money attached to third parties. It tells us that we must strike a balance between allowing participation in a digital and global age while protecting Canada’s democracy. This is indeed the brave new world that we must learn to navigate, negotiate and regulate.