Every Voice Counts - A Podcast by Senator Mobina

World Refugee Day

Can you imagine what it feels like to live in fear, or in persecution? Can you imagine what it means to hide with your little children under a fragile roof while war jets are flying over your home and bombing your street? Can you imagine being hunted by gangs who want to take your daughters to sell them, or who want to kill your father for leaving the gang?

Most of us are privileged to never have had to live in fear, and it is so hard for many of us to even imagine it.

On World Refugee Day let us remember that we continue to send the vulnerable, the weak, and the persecuted back to the US as we uphold the Safe Third Country Agreement.

Asian Heritage Month with Queenie Choo, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Asian Heritage Month was observed differently this year with the COVID19 pandemic interrupting many celebrations, including several events normally held annually by the Senate and House of Commons. I had the opportunity to have a conversation with Ms. Queenie Choo, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., one of the largest non-profit social service organizations in British Columbia. S.U.C.C.E.S.S provides services to newcomers, helping them to integrate through language, employment, and community services.  Queenie and I discussed several topics including the achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent, the adversity the continue to face during the COVID19 pandemic, and the hard work that she and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. are doing to change the status quo.

COVID19 and Parliament

On March 11, 2020, a global pandemic was announced, and most people in the world were advised to start social distancing and self-isolating, specifically if they felt any symptoms. It was clear to us in Parliament that passing bills to assist Canadians was a function that was our first priority. On March 13th, 2020, the Senate and the House of Commons were summoned for an emergency sitting to deal with the global and pandemic and what should be done next. The House of Commons followed by the Senate, agreed to shut down Parliament.

Every Voice Counts Trailer

In a country of 37 Million, spread over nearly 10 Million kilometers, two official languages and more than 200 languages spoken at home, Canada is known for its diversity and tolerance. Hosted by Canadian Senator Mobina Jaffer, Every Voice Counts is a unique voice in the Canadian Political landscape. Herself a refugee, Senator Jaffer and her guests will explore topics of marginalization and belonging, as well as informing Canadians about the role of the Senate in 2020.