Supporters of jailed blogger Raif Badawi have launched a foundation in his name.
The foundation will provide information on freedom of press and freedom of speech in the Arab world.
Badawi is currently serving a 10-year sentence in Saudi Arabia for criticizing Islam.
Because Badawi is not a Canadian citizen Ottawa says there is little it can do, yet his supporters are using the election campaign to get the party leaders involved.
"I invite them to commit clearly to freedom of the press and put forward concrete measures for the release of Raif Badawi and Mohammed Fahmy. Here, no excuse is acceptable. He is Canadian," said the foundation's director, Evelyne Abitbol.
The creators of the foundation are appealing to politicians and to the public to donate funds to their cause.
Badawi's wife and children have been living in Quebec since 2013 after being granted political asylum.
