On Tuesday June 20th I had the privilege of speaking at a street sign unveiling in honour and memory of Mahsa Jina Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in the custody of Iran’s morality police, after allegedly violating a strict dress code for women. Ottawa’s Mayor, City Councillors, and members of the Woman-Life-Freedom movement and B’nai Brith, who helped in make this event happen, were on hand to support and stand in solidarity with the community along with a number of our Federal and Provincial partners.

Thank you to Councillor Ariel Troster who without hesitation welcomed the idea of hosting this event and installing these plaques to commemorate and honor Mahsa Amini and all the women like her who are struggling for their basic human rights in Iran and around the world. Councillor Troster is the City’s Liaison for Women and Gender Equity and LGBTQ+ Affairs.
Ottawa’s city council voted to create the tribute to Mahsa Jina Amini in January after a motion was put forward by myself and Councillor Troster.
The one-year installation of these commemorative street signs in front of the former embassy of Iran will remind us of Mahsa Jina Amini’s heartless, needless death and our responsibility to be vigilant in standing up for safety, freedom of speech and expression, here and around the world.