A 2009 video resurfacing online has led to the removal of Edmonton-based politician Rod Loyola from his candidacy for the federal Liberal Party.
In the video, Loyola, performing as a rapper with the group People’s Poets, introduces a hip-hop segment at an anti-war rally by saying that Hamas and Hezbollah are “organizations that are standing up for their people and needed to be recognized. These are movements for national liberation, not terrorist organizations.”
Loyola, who has served as an Alberta NDP Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) since 2015, was seeking a federal seat in the newly formed riding of Edmonton Gateway. He officially resigned from the Alberta Legislature on March 25, 2025, shortly before announcing his Liberal candidacy.
In a statement released Friday morning, Loyola responded to the controversy:
“A video from 16 years ago surfaced in which I made comments about Hamas and Hezbollah during a hip-hop segment introduction at an anti-war rally. I did not think that an intro to a hip-hop segment 16 years ago would get me ‘cancelled’ after close to a decade of serving as an elected representative at the Legislative Assembly of Alberta—but here we are.”
He continued: “I unequivocally condemn brutal killings, terrorism, and abduction—whoever commits them. What was perpetrated by Hamas on October 7 was completely unacceptable and heartbreaking. The loss of innocent life—irrespective of race, faith, or creed—is a loss to humanity.”
Loyola added that he also condemned the Israeli military response in Gaza, citing statements by international bodies accusing Israel of violating human rights. He stated: “The actions taken by Israel, as noted by multiple international bodies, amount to collective punishment of a people who are already systematically subjugated, which will never be justified, acceptable, or in line with human rights.”
Vows to Keep Calling Out Injustice and Sees No Reason to Apologize
Loyola emphasized that he was speaking in defense of the right to resist occupation, not to endorse terrorism:
“Defending the right to resist oppression is not controversial but rather a moral and legal imperative… I do not need to apologize for a hip-hop segment that had as its core message the need to stand with the oppressed, nor for affirming their right to live in peace, security, and sovereignty.”
The Liberal Party has not issued a detailed public statement about Loyola’s removal, but a spokesperson confirmed that he is no longer a candidate. Sources within the party, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that Loyola’s past remarks were deemed inconsistent with the party’s values. Critics argue that this approach risks suppressing legitimate debate on foreign policy issues and reflects a preference for top-down decision-making rather than open democratic discourse.
Loyola, whose family fled Chile’s military dictatorship, has positioned his political career around themes of justice, inclusion, and equity. During his time in the Alberta Legislature, he focused on seniors’ housing, education, and economic fairness, and served as deputy chair of the Economic Future Committee. He has also spoken out strongly against rising extremism in Alberta.
In December 2024, Loyola addressed hate crimes in a speech to the Legislature:
“We are experiencing rising intolerance across the world. Members of South Asian communities, whether Sikhs or Hindus, are facing hate. Jewish Albertans are experiencing a rise in antisemitism, and Muslims an increase in Islamophobia.” On the issue of Palestinian rights, he added: “They are called terrorists for simply creating awareness about human rights.”
Following his removal from the Liberal slate, Loyola confirmed to Chase Ottawa that he intends to continue his campaign as an independent candidate in the new federal riding of Edmonton Southeast:
“It’s not over. I am going to fight.”
In the wake of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, multiple international bodies—including South Africa, Amnesty International, Francesca Albanese (the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories), and other human rights organizations—have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. As of December 2024, 14 countries have joined or expressed intent to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Oddly, the federal Liberal Party has not taken a formal position on the conflict or addressed the genocide accusations. Critics say the party’s silence contrasts with its swift move to remove Loyola, raising questions about the boundaries of acceptable political discourse in Canada.
