Eby says Robinson’s exit from BC NDP is ‘humbling,’ but disagrees on antisemitism

Premier David Eby says he and his BC NDP caucus are “reflecting” on Selina Robinson’s resignation letter, which claimed antisemitism among her colleagues and indifference toward the problem.

Eby was grilled by reporters Thursday morning in the halls of the B.C. Legislature.

“We had a caucus member with a unique, lived experience, with a unique perspective that was valued and important on our team, who did not feel safe to bring forward the concerns that she had,” said Eby.

“Going forward, we know that we have to do more with the Jewish community to support them in the province to feel safe,” he told reporters, adding that he realizes many in the Jewish community feel hurt and scared right now.

‘She didn’t feel safe with me to bring forward her concerns’

Robinson resigned from the NDP government Wednesday to sit as an independent for the remainder of her term. She had previously announced she would not seek re-election this fall.

Last month, the Jewish MLA was asked to resign from her post as minister of post-secondary education after saying modern Israel was founded on “a crappy piece of land” — remarks that sparked a large outcry from Muslim and pro-Palestinian groups.

Eby danced around questions from reporters about whether he feels there is antisemitism in his caucus.

“Even though I disagree with Selina’s characterization of a number of my colleagues in this letter who fight every day to fight racism and discrimination, I have to accept as a leader that as Jewish woman, with these unique experiences in our caucus, she did not feel safe. She didn’t feel safe with me to bring forward her concerns and she felt she had to resign,” he said.

“I will examine that. I am going into that caucus room with a bunch of colleagues who are also hurting right now and we are going to reflect on this together and move forward to ensure this is a safe province for everybody.”