Rob Oliphant, M.P.

Liberal Party Critic for Multiculturalism

Liberal Party response

Thank you for expressing your concerns to our Leader Michael Ignatieff, and to his Chief of Staff, Peter Donolo, about the Leader's attendance at this year's Thai Pongal dinner being held by the Canadian Tamil Congress. As the Liberal Party Critic for Multiculturalism I am happy to respond to you.

You are right that the Leader has not attended this particular event in the past. Last year, as in previous years, a number of the federal Liberal caucus members were there and I delivered greetings on behalf of the Leader. Paul Calandra, Conservative M.P. from Oak Ridges-Markham, delivered greetings on behalf of the Prime Minister and Jack Layton, Leader of the N.D.P. was the Chief Guest. Many dignitaries from all walks of life attended this dinner and celebrated the contributions of Tamil Canadians as citizens, volunteers, academics, artists, business owners and professionals.

Over the past number of months, the Canadian Tamil community has been undergoing a process of healing following many years of stress due to the conflict in Sri Lanka. Now that the civil war has ended, the Canadian Tamil Congress and other Tamil organizations in Canada have been engaged in a process of examining the needs and priorities of their communities. This is important work that needs to be done and needs to be supported by others outside the Tamil Canadian community.

Given the difficulties that the Tamil Canadian community has experienced these past several years and the process of reflection and renewal they are undertaking now, I think it is highly appropriate for the Leader to engage with this community. As you know, this dinner is the largest single Tamil event in the country and is a time of harvest celebration. Attendance, even participation at such a gathering, does not indicate support for all the tenets of a particular organization. What it does signal is a willingness to engage with all Canadians on issues that are important to them at a time of year that is important to them.

As you also know, Michael Ignatieff has been a firm opponent of political violence and terrorism, and his position, and the position of the Liberal Party of Canada, will not waver on this fundamental principle. Moreover, this is a position the Leader proudly states in every gathering he attends.

While the conflict ensued in Sri Lanka, the Leader met with representatives from a variety of Canadian Tamil groups, including the CTC, business groups and religious leaders. He will continue to engage with all communities that make up the broad spectrum of Canadians of Tamil origin as the aftermath of the war is dealt with. As a Party, we will continue to press for a full and transparent process to determine the truth of what happened during that conflict so that reconciliation may continue. That is a Canadian value.

I believe Michael Ignatieff, more than any other political leader in this country, knows these issues and knows that engagement is the only way to build a better Canada and a better world.

Again, thank you for expressing your concern.

Rob Oliphant, M.P.

Liberal Party Critic for Multiculturalism