Heather McPherson, a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and an MP from Edmonton, has stirred controversy through a social media post regarding the escalating violence in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a popular tourist destination for Canadians. In her tweet, she emphasized the plight of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community during the chaos, suggesting that many Canadians from this community are currently in the area and are in need of assistance as a shelter-in-place order has been issued. She included a link to federal travel advisories for Mexico, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

However, McPherson's message did not sit well with a significant portion of the public, leading to nearly 5,000 responses by the following morning, many of which criticized her for what they perceived as prioritizing one group over the broader Canadian community. Critics argued that her phrasing—focusing on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community—was unnecessarily divisive and detracted from the fact that all Canadians in Puerto Vallarta are facing danger due to cartel violence. This sparked a debate about identity politics and the communication strategies of political figures when addressing crises.

The backlash raises important questions about how leaders address sensitive issues in a time of crisis and the balance between addressing specific group needs while not alienating other affected individuals. Within a political context, McPherson's approach reflects larger discussions within Canadian politics regarding inclusivity and representation, particularly for marginalized communities. However, it also highlights the challenges leaders face in communicating effectively and empathetically in a rapidly unfolding situation like the violence in Mexico.