STEP Magazine
Calgary, Canada
On December 18, 2024, a group of activists from the Kurdish community met with Canadian Member of Parliament Tom Kmiec in Calgary to discuss the latest developments in Syria and the potential threat of an aggressive attack on Rojava by groups backed by Turkey. The meeting marked a crucial step in bringing attention to the ongoing challenges faced by Kurds in the region.
The meeting opened with heartfelt expressions of concern from the Kurdish activists, who articulated their fears about Turkey’s escalating plans to launch a military operation in Rojava. They highlighted how the removal of the Assad regime could potentially embolden Turkey, which maintains close ties with Syrian factions opposed to Kurdish self-rule. The activists underscored the urgency of the situation, stressing that Turkey’s intentions pose a direct threat to the stability and autonomy of the Kurdish region in Syria.
Several key issues were brought to the table, including the role of the Canadian government in preventing Turkish interference and ensuring that no military intervention takes place in the Kurdish region. The group emphasized that Turkey’s actions are part of a broader plan to suppress Kurdish self-governance and eliminate any prospect of autonomy for the Kurdish people in the region.
During the meeting, the Kurdish activists presented detailed documentation outlining recent developments in Syria. These documents were supplemented with official statements from Kurdish organizations such as MalaKurd – Calgary and the Diaspora Centre of Calgary. The activists expressed their hope that MP Kmiec would act as their advocate, raising these pressing concerns within the federal parliament and urging the Canadian government to take a firm stance against Turkish aggression.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of Turkey’s actions, including the impact on regional stability and the humanitarian crisis that would likely follow any military escalation. The group emphasized the need for Canada to support a democratic and inclusive solution for Syria—one that respects the rights of all ethnic and cultural groups, including the Kurds, without interference from external powers with vested interests, such as Turkey.
In his response, MP Kmiec expressed understanding and empathy for the concerns raised. He assured the activists that he would address their fears at the earliest opportunity, engaging with relevant stakeholders to advocate for their cause. He emphasized his commitment to being a voice for the Kurdish community in Parliament and pledged to work towards supporting a democratic framework for Syria—one that guarantees the rights of all ethnic groups and safeguards their future. He also reaffirmed the importance of resisting undue interference from countries like Turkey, whose actions, he acknowledged, are often driven by their own political and territorial agendas.
This meeting was seen as a significant step in strengthening the relationship between the Kurdish community and Canadian lawmakers, ensuring that their voices are heard on a national platform. The activists left hopeful that their concerns would be taken seriously and that concrete steps would be taken to support the Kurdish people in their struggle for peace, security, and self-determination.
