Canadian legal group rocked by 2nd high-profile resignation, as treasurer steps down over 'chilling effect'
The fallout over a Canadian legal organization's decision to cancel a noted Syrian Canadian entrepreneur and peace advocate's speaking invitation is deepening, with another high-profile resignation, this time by its treasurer.
Sheila Gibb, treasurer at The Advocates' Society since June 2024, who was set to take up the role of vice-president, has stepped down from the group's executive and board of directors.
In a statement posted online Wednesday, Gibb said cancelling an upcoming keynote speech by refugee-turned-entrepreneur Tareq Hadhad at TAS's upcoming event in June has caused "hurt and trauma to many members of our community."
"As an organization whose core value is to be a diverse and inclusive Society, it is TAS's responsibility to create spaces for all members to feel welcome and able to share their perspectives," wrote Gibb.
"We failed to create this space with the End of Term dinner this year."
Hadhad 'held to a standard' others weren't: ex-treasurer
Gibb's resignation comes just days after incoming president Sheree Conlon stepped down from the organization, saying in a letter obtained by CBC News that TAS had "abandoned its values" in rescinding Hadhad's invitation.
TAS has said it did so after concerns were raised by some members about Hadhad's stance on Gaza on social media, in which he has referred to Israel's actions there as "genocide."
As CBC News has previously reported, lawyer Jonathan Lisus was among those who wrote to the organization to flag what he described as Hadhad's "one-sided view" of the conflict, noting Hadhad did not appear to have posted in solidarity with the Israeli victims of Hamas's Oct. 7 attack or the hostages taken that day.
In her statement, Gibb says she believes Hadhad "was held to a standard which other speakers have not been held," adding the move has had "a chilling effect."
"In my view, it is necessary that TAS — and our bar — be able to hold space for different perspectives and difficult discussions," said Gibb.
"I see this as foundational to TAS's core values, and also critical given where we find ourselves in the world: with increasing polarization, diminishing opportunities for civil discourse on difficult topics, and the related risks to our bar, our system of justice, and our democracy — as we are seeing south of the border."
Meanwhile, in a statement Monday, Hadhad said he was moved by the outpouring of support he has received since the cancellation.
As for his stance on Gaza, he said: "to suggest that I am 'unsympathetic' or 'indifferent' to the suffering of Jewish people is both inaccurate and deeply hurtful."
"I believe that to grieve the suffering of one group does not mean the exclusion of another ... that includes civilians in Syria, in Gaza, in Israel, in Ukraine and in every corner of the world where people are caught in the crossfire of violence."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vancouver Sun
21 minutes ago
- Vancouver Sun
Trump rejected Israel's plan to assassinate Iran's supreme leader, official says
President Donald Trump vetoed a plan presented by Israel to the U.S. to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. The Israelis informed the Trump administration in recent days that they had developed a credible plan to kill Khamenei. After being briefed on the plan, the White House made clear to Israeli officials that Trump was opposed to the Israelis making the move, according to the official who was not authorized to comment on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The Trump administration is desperate to keep Israel's military operation aimed at decapitating Iran's nuclear program from exploding into an even more expansive conflict and saw the plan to kill Khamenei as a move that would enflame the conflict and potentially destabilize the region. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Asked about the plan during an interview on Fox News Channel's 'Special Report with Bret Baier,' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly address whether the White House rejected the plan. 'But I can tell you, I think that we do what we need to do, we'll do what we need to do. And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States,' Netanyahu said. Israeli Prime Minister @netanyahu with a message to Iran's supreme leader and the Iranian people #foxnews #SpecialReport #Israel #Iran Netanyahu also said regime change 'could certainly be the result' of the conflict, because the Iranian regime is very weak.' Trump's rejection of the proposal was first reported by Reuters. Netanyahu's office declined to comment on the reports. Trump on Sunday issued a stark warning to Iran against retaliating on U.S. targets in the Middle East while also predicting Israel and Iran would 'soon' make a deal to end their escalating conflict. The president in an early morning social media posting said the United States 'had nothing to do with the attack on Iran' as Israel and Iran traded missile attacks for the third straight day. Iran, however, has said that it would hold the U.S. — which has provided Israel with much of its deep arsenal of weaponry — for its backing of Israel. ( @realDonaldTrump - Truth Social Post ) ( Donald J. Trump - Jun 15, 2025, 12:32 AM ET ) The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight. If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you… Israel targeted Iran's Defence Ministry headquarters in Tehran and sites it alleged were associated with Iran's nuclear program, while Iranian missiles evaded Israeli air defences and slammed into buildings deep inside Israel. 'If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,' Trump said. Hours later Trump took to social media again to predict 'Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal.' ( @realDonaldTrump - Truth Social Post ) ( Donald J. Trump - Jun 15, 2025, 9:41 AM ET ) Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using TRADE with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity… The U.S. president said he has a track record for de-escalating conflicts, and that he would get Israel and Iran to cease hostilities 'just like I got India and Pakistan to make' a deal after the two countries' recent cross-border confrontation. India struck targets inside Pakistan after militants in April massacred 26 tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan has denied any links to the attackers. Following India's strikes in Pakistan, the two sides exchanged heavy fire along their de facto borders, followed by missile and drone strikes into each other's territories, mainly targeting military installations and airbases. It was the most serious confrontation in decades between the countries. Trump on Sunday repeated his claim, disputed by India, that the two sides agreed to a ceasefire after he had offered to help both nations with trade if they agreed to de-escalate. Trump also pointed to efforts by his administration during his first term to mediate disputes between Serbia and Kosovo and Egypt and Ethiopia. 'Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran!' Trump said. 'Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that's OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!' The growing conflict between Israel and Iran is testing Trump, who ran on a promise to quickly end the brutal wars in Gaza and Ukraine and build a foreign policy that more broadly favours steering clear of foreign conflicts. Trump has struggled to find an endgame to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. And after criticizing President Joe Biden during last year's campaign for preventing Israel from carrying out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Trump found himself making the case to the Israelis to give diplomacy a chance. His administration's push on Tehran to give up its nuclear program came after the U.S. and other world powers in 2015 reached a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran's enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday about the growing Israel-Iran conflict. And Trump is set to travel later Sunday to Canada for Group of Seven leaders summit where the Mideast crisis will loom large over his talks with the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan and the European Union. Some influential backers of Trump are urging him to keep the U.S. out of Israel's escalating conflict with Iran. GOP Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson are among the prominent backers of Trump who have argued voters backed Trump because he would not involve the nation in foreign conflicts. Kirk said last week that before Israel launched the strikes on Iran that he was concerned the situation could lead to 'a massive schism in MAGA and potentially disrupt our momentum and our insanely successful Presidency.' GOP Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul praised Trump for having shown restraint and said he hoped the president's 'instincts will prevail.' 'So, I think it's going to be very hard to come out of this and have a negotiated settlement,' Paul said in an appearance on NBC's 'Meet the Press.' 'I see more war and more carnage. And it's not the U.S.'s job to be involved in this war.' In an interview aired on CBS' 'Face the Nation' GOP South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said he preferred diplomatic efforts, but if diplomacy doesn't work Trump should 'go all in' on destroying Iran's nuclear program. 'If that means providing bombs, provide bombs,' he said. 'If that means flying with Israel, fly with Israel.' — Associated Press writer Gary Fields contributed reporting.
Toronto Sun
an hour ago
- Toronto Sun
Trump vetoed Israeli plan to kill Iran's supreme leader: U.S. official
Published Jun 15, 2025 • 5 minute read In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a ceremony marking the anniversary of the 1989 death of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini at his shrine just outside Tehran, Iran, June 4, 2025. Photo by Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader / AP WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump vetoed a plan presented by Israel to the U.S. to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Israelis informed the Trump administration in recent days that they had developed a credible plan to kill Khamenei. After being briefed on the plan, the White House made clear to Israeli officials that Trump was opposed to the Israelis making the move, according to the official who was not authorized to comment on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The Trump administration is desperate to keep Israel's military operation aimed at decapitating Iran's nuclear program from exploding into an even more expansive conflict and saw the plan to kill Khamenei as a move that would enflame the conflict and potentially destabilize the region. Asked about the plan during an interview on Fox News Channel's 'Special Report with Bret Baier,' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly address whether the White House rejected the plan. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'But I can tell you, I think that we do what we need to do, we'll do what we need to do. And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States,' Netanyahu said. Netanyahu also said regime change 'could certainly be the result' of the conflict 'because the Iranian regime is very weak.' Trump's rejection of the proposal was first reported by Reuters. Netanyahu's office declined to comment on the reports. Trump on Sunday issued a stark warning to Iran against retaliating on U.S. targets in the Middle East while also predicting Israel and Iran would 'soon' make a deal to end their escalating conflict. The president in an early morning social media posting said the United States 'had nothing to do with the attack on Iran' as Israel and Iran traded missile attacks for the third straight day. Iran, however, has said that it would hold the U.S. — which has provided Israel with much of its deep arsenal of weaponry — for its backing of Israel. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Israel targeted Iran's Defence Ministry headquarters in Tehran and sites it alleged were associated with Iran's nuclear program, while Iranian missiles evaded Israeli air defenses and slammed into buildings deep inside Israel. 'If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,' Trump said. Hours later Trump took to social media again to predict 'Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal.' The U.S. president said he has a track record for de-escalating conflicts, and that he would get Israel and Iran to cease hostilities 'just like I got India and Pakistan to make' after the two countries' recent cross-border confrontation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. India struck targets inside Pakistan after militants in April massacred 26 tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan has denied any links to the attackers. Following India's strikes in Pakistan, the two sides exchanged heavy fire along their de facto borders, followed by missile and drone strikes into each other's territories, mainly targeting military installations and airbases. It was the most serious confrontation in decades between the countries. Trump on Sunday repeated his claim, disputed by India, that the two sides agreed to a ceasefire after he had offered to help both nations with trade if they agreed to de-escalate. Trump also pointed to efforts by his administration during his first term to mediate disputes between Serbia and Kosovo and Egypt and Ethiopia. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran!' Trump said. 'Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that's OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!' The growing conflict between Israel and Iran is testing Trump who ran on a promise to quickly end the brutal wars in Gaza and Ukraine and build a foreign policy that more broadly favors steering clear of foreign conflicts. Trump has struggled to find an endgame to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. And after criticizing President Joe Biden during last year's campaign for preventing Israel from carrying out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Trump found himself making the case to the Israelis to give diplomacy a chance. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. His administration's push on Tehran to give up its nuclear program came after the U.S. and other world powers in 2015 reached a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran's enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday about the growing Israel-Iran conflict. And Trump is set to travel later Sunday to Canada for Group of Seven leaders summit where the Mideast crisis will loom large over his talks with the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan and the European Union. Some influential backers of Trump are him urging to keep the U.S. out of Israel's escalating conflict with Iran. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson are among the prominent backers of Trump who have argued voters backed Trump because he would not involve the nation in foreign conflicts. Kirk said last week that before Israel launched the strikes on Iran that he was concerned the situation could lead to 'a massive schism in MAGA and potentially disrupt our momentum and our insanely successful Presidency.' Kentucky Republican, Sen. Rand Paul praised Trump for having shown restraint and said he hoped the president's 'instincts will prevail.' 'So, I think it's going to be very hard to come out of this and have a negotiated settlement,' Paul said in an appearance on NBC's 'Meet the Press.' 'I see more war and more carnage. And it's not the U.S.'s job to be involved in this war.' In an interview aired on CBS' 'Face the Nation' GOP South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said he preferred diplomatic efforts, but if diplomacy doesn't work Trump should 'go all in' on destroying Iran's nuclear program. 'If that means providing bombs, provide bombs,' he said. 'If that means flying with Israel, fly with Israel.' —Associated Press writer Gary Fields contributed reporting. Read More Sports Editorial Cartoons Relationships Sunshine Girls Editorial Cartoons
Calgary Herald
an hour ago
- Calgary Herald
With Iran and Israel in conflict, oil traders brace for supply turmoil
Article content Oil-watchers are bracing for a further price rally after Israeli strikes on Iranian energy assets heightened the risk to Middle East supplies. Article content Israel temporarily knocked out a natural gas processing facility linked to the giant South Pars field, Iran's biggest, in an attack on Saturday, and targeted fuel storage tanks during strikes as part of its campaign against Tehran's nuclear program. Article content Article content While the attack was concentrated on the Islamic Republic's domestic energy system rather than exports to international markets, oil traders and analysts are preparing for more turmoil after prices surged the most in three years on Friday. Article content Article content Despite U.S. sanctions, Iran remains the third-biggest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Its allies in Yemen, the Houthi militants, have harassed ships in the region and Tehran has in the past threatened to halt the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point in the Persian Gulf. It has, however, never blockaded the key maritime chokepoint. Article content 'The escalating, likely prolonged, conflict and its expansion to economic targets with civilian casualties should build some more risk premium into crude early this week,' said Bob McNally, president and founder of Rapidan Energy Advisers LLC and a former White House energy official. Article content Article content West Texas Intermediate futures, the U.S. benchmark, rallied as much as 14 per cent on Friday before settling near US$73 a barrel. A closure of Hormuz could propel international prices to as high as US$130, JPMorgan Chase & Co. has predicted. A jump in oil would add to inflation pressures around the world. Article content Israel's strike on Saturday triggered a powerful explosion and fire at the onshore Phase 14 gas processing plant and forced the shutdown of a production platform at the South Pars field, according to a report from the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Article content 'Now that threshold has been crossed, there will be questions about whether Israel is going to target more Iranian energy infrastructure,' said Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at consultant Energy Aspects Ltd. 'We appear to be in an escalatory cycle.' Article content
