Latest news with #DignityForum
Calgary Herald
4 days ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
'Much of our history is nothing to be proud of': Dignity Forum premieres new Alberta human-rights documentary
A new documentary highlighting the history of discrimination and prejudice in Alberta is set to premiere this month at Mount Royal University. Article content The documentary, titled Human Rights: Fact or Fiction? A History of Human Rights in Alberta, was created by the Dignity Forum, an Alberta organization that advocates for human-rights protections. Article content Article content 'It really is an educational piece in the sense that it traces the history of human rights in Alberta right up to the present day,' said Ron Ghitter, chair of the Dignity Forum and former MLA and senator. 'Much of our history is nothing to be proud of.' Article content Article content Ghitter has dedicated 45 years to human-rights policy development and advocacy, which has opened his eyes to the extent of discrimination throughout Alberta's history. Article content Article content 'All the major human-rights cases, really, that have gone to the Supreme Court of Canada have gone out of Alberta — from the Vriend case to the Taylor case to the Keegstra case,' he said. Article content 'These were cases which really set a standard in human rights in the country.' Article content Ghitter said the documentary aims to inform and to advocate for change. Article content 'I think people have never really come to grips with what human rights in Alberta has been all about historically,' he said. 'And it's not all negative. Article content 'We're trying to look to the future, as well.' Article content Business leader and philanthropist Mike Shaikh, who formerly chaired the Calgary police commission, is one of the panellists featured in the documentary. Shaikh said he has high hopes for what the documentary can accomplish. Article content Article content 'Diversity and inclusion deserve our attention,' he said. 'I believe this documentary will help create stronger communities and improve lives in Canada.' Article content For Shaikh, creating more inclusive communities for newcomers was a major motivation behind his involvement in the project. Article content 'I've always been a proponent of helping new immigrants, all newcomers to Canada, to see how they can make the Canadian dream come true,' he said. Article content Shaikh also found that he gained a lot personally from the experience, particularly from working with the other panellists. Article content 'I loved listening to Chief Phil Fontaine,' he said. 'He's the one who pioneered the exposure of the residential schools. He was the first one to stand up and speak up — and be heard.' Article content The inspiration for the documentary came from a variety of discussions between Ghitter and others in the Dignity Forum community concerning the increasing cases of discrimination they've seen throughout Alberta — and a desire to bring those concerns to light. Article content 'We can't sit back and just think it'll take care of itself,' Ghitter said. 'You have to respond when you see bigotry, discrimination, stereotyping.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Syrian Presidency Condemns Israeli Airstrike Near Presidential Palace as Dangerous Escalation
The Syrian presidency on Friday denounced an Israeli airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus, calling it a 'dangerous escalation' and a continuation of reckless behavior aimed at destabilizing the country and undermining national unity. In a statement carried by state news agency SANA, the presidency condemned the strike 'in the strongest terms,' describing it as an assault on state institutions and a violation of Syria's sovereignty. 'This aggression reflects ongoing reckless actions designed to exacerbate security crises and threaten the unity of the Syrian people,' the statement read. The presidency urged the international community and Arab nations to support Syria in resisting what it labeled 'hostile acts' by Israel, which it said flagrantly violate international law. It called for unified Arab positions to confront Israeli 'aggression' and defend the rights of Arab peoples. 'Syria will not compromise its sovereignty or security,' the presidency said, vowing to pursue all available means to protect its people. It also reiterated its commitment to national dialogue and reform efforts, stressing that the country remains on a path of reconstruction despite mounting challenges. The Israeli airstrike came amid a fragile return to calm in Druze-majority areas surrounding Damascus, which had experienced unrest in recent days. Tensions in neighborhoods like Ashrafiyat Sahnaya and Jaramana had flared following the leak of an audio recording allegedly featuring a Druze cleric making derogatory remarks about Islam. The incident sparked violent clashes between armed groups, resulting in casualties. Local leaders and Syrian authorities have since worked to stabilize the situation. Sheikh Laith al-Balaous, a prominent Druze figure and head of the Dignity Forum armed group, said calm had returned to the troubled suburbs after security forces entered the areas and took control. 'We've restored order in Sahnaya, Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, and Jaramana. Security forces are now in control, and residents are reporting a return to normal,' Balaous told Asharq Al-Awsat. Authorities have also struck an agreement with community leaders in Jaramana to disarm local factions and reinforce the presence of security forces. Heavy weapons were handed over, and security checkpoints around the city were bolstered, according to Colonel Hussam al-Tahan, head of Damascus Countryside Security. In southern Syria's Suwayda province, the local Druze leadership reached an agreement with the government to expand the role of the Ministry of Interior and security forces using local personnel. Plans are underway to secure key towns and the Suwayda-Damascus highway, while efforts continue to prevent further unrest in the region. Security officials say more than 700 fighters from local factions have joined General Security, with 1,500 more applying. A new military brigade for Suwayda under the Defense Ministry is reportedly being considered. Meanwhile, Syria TV reported that a drone strike targeted a farm west of Suwayda city, killing at least three people.
