Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland now condemns ‘glorification of terrorism’ at Ottawa pro-Hamas rally after initially refusing to comment

“Having seen video from this weekend, I can only express shock and disgust at the antisemitism and glorification of terrorism that occurred on Parliament Hill. This hate speech has no place in Canada. None,” Freeland posted on X Monday.”

Freeland’s initial response to the Saturday hate fest was completely non-committal.

At a news conference in Montreal where the finance minister continued to promote her Apr. 17 budget, a reporter asked, “Over the weekend, protesters in Ottawa were heard chanting, among other things, ‘Long live Oct. 7’ and ‘Oct. 7 is proof that we are almost free.’ Is this hate speech?”

Freeland responded by implying that both Jews and Muslims are being targeted by hate speech.

“I wasn't in Ottawa over the weekend. And I'm not aware of those specific reports. And so it would be just wrong of me to comment on something that I am not specifically aware of. What I will say is, today is a time in Canada, when antisemitism and Islamophobia are on the rise. When we have a lot, there are a lot of Canadians who are not feeling safe.”

Deputy Conservative Party of Canada leader Melissa Lantsman noted on X that “You don’t have to have been in Ottawa to condemn this vile hate.”

“When you hear the words ‘Long live October 7th’ you should condemn them. Apparently not if you’re the Deputy PM of Canada named @cafreeland. This shouldn’t be difficult.” #cdnpoli

According to reports, the pro-Hamas protesters shouted a host of antisemitic blasts, including “From the river to the sea,” “Long live the intifada,” “October 7th proves we’re almost Free!” and “Long live October 7th!”

Ottawa police are investigating something that was said at the protest, calling it an allegation of hate speech.