Recently my colleague Carolyn Bennett and I had the opportunity to visit Israel and the West Bank along with other parliamentarians. We went to listen and learn from both Israeli and Palestinian experts about the current crisis and, in particular, about prospects for a sustainable ceasefire.There is no question that Israel has the right to defend itself. Equally, there is no doubt that the Palestinian people have the right to live in peace. Tragically, the war has rendered these two rights mutually incompatible.We feel deep compassion for all the people who have lost their lives and livelihood in this conflict. We offer our heartfelt condolences to all those who have suffered, including the families and friends of those who have died.
The South African High Commission is located at 15 Sussex Drive in the New Edinburgh neighbourhood of Ottawa. Directly across the street from the embassy is 24 Sussex Drive the official residence of the Prime Minister of Canada. East of the high commission is 7 Rideau Gate, Canada's official guest house. Rideau Hall is also nearby.
On behalf of the Downtown Yonge community, the B.I.A. is a non-profit organization that creates or advocates for vibrant area events, provides on-street clean and safe services, produces capital improvement streetscape projects and promotes the neighbourhood through branding and marketing initiatives.