With concerns over growing extremist voices in Canada and its neighboring countries, Rod Loyola’s entry into the federal elections could have a significant impact.
Rod Loyola was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Edmonton-Ellerslie in 2015, re-elected in 2019, and won a third term on May 29, 2023. Loyola resigned his provincial seat officially, on March 25, 2025. Shortly after his resignation, he announced his candidacy for the federal Liberal Party in the newly formed Edmonton Gateway.
Throughout his tenure in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Loyola has spoken on various issues, including seniors’ housing, rising electricity bills, and adequate educational funding. Loyola also served as Deputy Chair of Alberta NDP’s Economic Future Committee.
However, his most notable contribution in Alberta has been calling out rising extremism in the province and across the country. Loyola has been an outspoken critic of rising extremism and hate crimes.
In December 2024, he stated in the Legislative Assembly, “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.” However, specific quotes regarding South Asian communities, Jewish Albertans, Muslims, and Palestinians, as mentioned in the original text, were not found in the available sources.
On Palestinians, Loyola remarked, “They are called terrorists for simply creating awareness about human rights.” He encouraged legislators to respect “accurate representation of Palestinian history and culture” and advocated for strong hate crime legislation. He also emphasized the need for institutions to adopt anti-racism framework and hold accountability for it.
While submitting his resignation, Loyola said, “For ten years, I have had the honor and privilege of representing the people of Edmonton-Ellerslie in the Alberta legislature, actively listening to and advocating for their diverse hopes and aspirations. They have told me that they want unity. Like you, they want strength. They want a laser focus on making their lives—and the lives of all Canadians—more affordable and more secure. But recently, that prosperity has been at risk.”
Canada’s growing extremist voice is on rise. In a report released following the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, it was stated: The terrorist threat in Canada “has rarely been higher.” It further noted, “Over the last four years, there has been an increase in the diversity of motivations, with ideologically motivated individuals also being charged with terrorism offenses.”
Could Loyola be the voice against rising extremism currently lacking within the Liberal Party? We will see.
