QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Security of Canadians
June 18, 2026
It’s ironic that on World Refugee Day, this morning, in the Parliamentary Press Gallery, Canadian military veteran Ko Tinmaung, son of Rohingya genocide survivors, and nurse Marie Tota detailed Israeli attacks on their Sumud Flotilla ship filled with medical and other essential supplies for Palestinians in Gaza and their experiences of physical, psychological and sexual abuse by Israeli forces, as well as dehumanizing treatment by Canadian federal authorities, the Canada Border Services Agency, or CBSA, and Pearson Airport security the moment they landed there.
Prime Minister Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anand refused to meet with survivors and their families. In Australia, survivors were respectfully heard by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penelope Wong. Canada merely asked Israel to investigate itself. Why won’t Canada take these abuses of Canadian citizens more seriously?
Thank you for the question. The Canadian government takes very seriously the situation of Canadians all over the world and in those circumstances that you are referring to. I don’t understand why you would think that it would be otherwise.
The Government of Canada cares for Canadians wherever they are in the world, and their security is a priority for the government.
You asked me why I would think that, Senator Moreau? It is because of the evidence presented to the public this morning by Canadian citizens who were not only abused by Israeli forces but also mistreated by federally governed authorities at Pearson Airport.
I have known Ko Tinmaung for years and worked with him on the Rohingya genocide. I know and work with his aunt Razia Sultana, one of the foremost human rights lawyers representing Rohingya genocide survivors. I have asked that question because there is evidence.
Well, I’m not sure it was a question; it was more like a statement. I’m not aware of any situation involving anything at the border or in a Canadian airport today. I will certainly raise the question with the authorities, and I’ll get back to you with an answer.
I should be a little clearer given the time limitations. What I’m asking for is to question the inaction by the government and to ask specifically for an investigation into the CBSA and into the Pearson Airport security. Who ordered them to treat Canadian citizens this way?
I have no information as to how CBSA would have treated Canadian citizens in a disrespectful manner today at Pearson Airport.
I will get the facts straight, and I’ll get back to you if there is an answer to be provided.
Senator Moreau, would you like me to send you the link regarding the media conference this morning where Canadian citizens detailed the abuse they suffered not only by Israeli forces but also by Canadian federal authorities?
I think I can find the link myself, but if you would be kind enough to send it, that will be easier.
