British Columbia Premier David Eby said that Post-Secondary Education Minister Selina Robinson needs to "repair the damage" caused by her remarks that Israel was founded on "a dirty piece of land," which angered pro-Palestinian groups and sparked calls for her resignation.

Eby affirmed that these remarks are "completely unacceptable" and "increase division" in the province at a time when people of Palestinian descent feel alienated.

Robinson apologized in a social media post on Thursday, saying her comments were "disrespectful," indicating that she was referring to the land having limited natural resources.

Robinson had made the original remarks in an online discussion with Jewish politicians hosted by B'nai B'rith Canada.

A video clip of the discussion broadcast on YouTube on Tuesday shows Robinson expressing regret over the lack of knowledge about the origins of modern Israel, saying the land on which it was founded "had nothing on it," before adding that there were "several hundred thousand people."

In her apology on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Robinson said her remarks diminished the "connection of Palestinians to the land as well," and she apologized unconditionally.

Groups including Independent Jewish Voices Canada have called on Robinson to resign because of these statements.

Meanwhile, the Civil Liberties Association called on Robinson to resign over alleged interference that led to the dismissal of a university instructor who had praised the October 7 attacks launched by Hamas.

Both Robinson and Eby denied having any role in the instructor's dismissal.

Eby, speaking at an unrelated press conference in Vernon, British Columbia, on Friday, said he made it clear to Robinson that her comments were wrong and hurtful.

He added, "Her comments increase division in our province and increase feelings of alienation among groups of people, especially those of Palestinian descent, and people who are concerned about death and destruction in Palestine, which is what is happening now."

Eby said politicians should not use their power to belittle or exclude anyone or any community, and Robinson failed to meet this standard.

He added, "She has apologized to me and all her colleagues in the government and party, and has assured me that she will apologize unreservedly to the citizens of British Columbia, especially the individuals and communities who have been harmed."

Eby did not directly respond when asked whether he had considered dismissing Robinson or if she had offered her resignation.