NDP and Green Candidates speak out for justice for Palestine

Along with contacting party leaders, the Canadian Coalition has contacted candidates across the country asking them where they stand on Palestine. And we are hearing back from NDP and Green candidates that agree with their parties’ own approved policies, and are speaking out on specific questions of justice for the people of Palestine and the rights of those here in Canada that stand in solidarity with those rights.

Thus far we have heard from two of the seven parties contacted, le Bloc Québécois and the Communist Party of Canada. Read more, including responses from these parties and their leaders.

#IVotePalestine

Federal Party Responses

Individual Candidate Responses

Please note: we have not received a response from Leaders Jagmeet Singh and Annamie Paul, nor from the federal NDP or Green Party of Canada.

The following survey of Green Party candidates was conducted by Ian Shaw: Click here to download PDF

Green Party of Canada

John Reist, New Brunswick Southwest

Do you recognize the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality?

Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel should have full rights and equality this is a fundamental right. When Israel was formed the land was taken away from the Palestinian people.  Although there has been talks and agreements the Israeli government has not lived up to their commitments and are provoking the Palestinian people.

Do you respect, protect and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194?

The Palestinian people should have a right to return home and/or own property. They should receive compensation for the land that was taken away. The world should speak out against the Israeli Government for removing Palestinian from their homes to build Israeli settlements

Do you support ending Israeli occupation and colonization of all Arab lands, that was permitted to stand for 54 years, and dismantling the Wall, and support the necessary concrete measures to implement such a commitment?  

The Israeli government has to stop the occupation of Arab land and remove illegal Israeli settlements.

As Canadians we have learned from our mistake dealing with Indigenous people in the past, Israel should do likewise.

Do you agree to investigate and oppose Canadian tax-deductible status for any Zionist organizations registered as charities that violate Canadian law?

Yes and No.  I believe that these organization have a right to exist like other cultural and ethnic groups, but if the organization is supporting racism or violence their tax-deductible status should be removed.

Do you recognize the rights of Canadians to support the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement as a non-violent strategy to force Israel to abide by UN resolutions and all international humanitarian laws? Would you consider repealing the 2016 anti-Palestinian/anti-BDS motion passed in the House of Commons?

We need to stop the sales of weapons and technology to Israel that could be used against the Palestinian people. I would repeal the anti-Palestinian/anti-BDS motion passed in the House of Commons

Are you prepared to support sanctions in this regard for Israel’s human rights violations against the people of Palestine?

Sanctions are needed against the Israeli government not the Israeli people.

Despite irrefutable evidence by respectable human rights organizations, the Canadian government continues to deny that Israel is an apartheid state. Further, although Canada sanctions 21 countries, 9 of them in the Middle East and most of them without due justification, Canada adamantly refuses to sanction Israel

It seems that it is politically incorrect to criticize the Israeli government.  Sanctions should be made that affect the Israeli government not the Israeli people.

Do you support government sanctions on Israel, including a bilateral military embargo, until it complies with international humanitarian law, the Fourth Geneva Convention and dismantles its apartheid regime?

Canada should have an embargo on all military sales to Israel.  However to have an embargo work we would have to have other countries including the US to embargo military sales.

Do you support justice for the Palestinian people by holding Israel accountable for its ethnic cleansing, war crimes and apartheid?

Israeli leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu should be held accountable

Do you oppose the anti-Palestinian, anti-democratic and politically charged IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, and do you pledge to reverse this racist Canadian government position?

Speaking against the Israeli government and its actions is not anti-semitism

Do you oppose foreign countries influencing Canadian domestic policy, and would you work to reverse the listing of the Palestinian resistance organizations on the terrorist list? Do you feel Canada’s policies on these important issues should be decided by what the Israeli government dictates?

Our domestic policies should be made by Canadians and not influenced by the opinions of other countries.

John Reist copied all his fellow Green Party of Canada candidates.

Jennifer Purdy, Kanata—Carleton

I fully support the official Green Party of Canada policy.

Do you recognize the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality?

YES

Do you respect, protect and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194?

YES

Do you support ending Israeli occupation and colonization of all Arab lands, that was permitted to stand for 54 years, and dismantling the Wall, and support the necessary concrete measures to implement such a commitment?  

YES

Do you agree to investigate and oppose Canadian tax-deductible status for any Zionist organizations registered as charities that violate Canadian law? 

If there are any organizations that violate Canadian law, then they should be investigated and if found in breach, then they should lose their charitable status. I would not focus on Zionism in particular.

Do you recognize the rights of Canadians to support the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement as a non-violent strategy to force Israel to abide by UN resolutions and all international humanitarian laws? Would you consider repealing the 2016 anti-Palestinian/anti-BDS motion passed in the House of Commons? 

I would have to read the 2016 motion passed in the HoC before I would comment. Note that economic actions are cited as a non-violent tool to use in the GPC policy.

Are you prepared to support sanctions in this regard for Israel’s human rights violations against the people of Palestine?

I am already in agreement with economic actions IAW GPC policy because of human rights violations against Palestinians by Israel.

Do you support government sanctions on Israel, including a bilateral military embargo, until it complies with international humanitarian law, the Fourth Geneva Convention and dismantles its apartheid regime?

I stand by the GPC policy.

Do you support justice for the Palestinian people by holding Israel accountable for its ethnic cleansing, war crimes and apartheid? 

This is in the GPC policy.

Do you oppose the anti-Palestinian, anti-democratic and politically charged IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, and do you pledge to reverse this racist Canadian government position?

I would have to review that position.

Do you oppose foreign countries influencing Canadian domestic policy, and would you work to reverse the listing of the Palestinian resistance organizations on the terrorist list? Do you feel Canada’s policies on these important issues should be decided by what the Israeli government dictates?

Clearly Canada’s policies should be decided by Canadians. Any organizations on the terrorism list should be reviewed, and if there are no links directly or indirectly to terrorism, violence, etc., then the names should be removed.

Do you support the immediate investigation & remediation by the Canadian government of the systemic ill-treatment of Palestinian children, including illegal administrative detention & solitary confinement within the Israeli occupied territories? 

I support an investigation, and a follow-up statement condemning illegal actions and mistreatment of children.

Maryem Hassan Tollar, Danforth

Do you recognize the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality?

Felix Kongyuy, Surrey Centre

Do you recognize the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality? 

Yes

Do you respect, protect and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194?

Yes

Do you support ending Israeli occupation and colonization of all Arab lands, that was permitted to stand for 54 years, and dismantling the Wall, and support the necessary concrete measures to implement such a commitment? 

Yes

Do you agree to investigate and oppose Canadian tax-deductible status for any Zionist organizations registered as charities that violate Canadian law? 

No Answer

Do you recognize the rights of Canadians to support the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement as a non-violent strategy to force Israel to abide by UN resolutions and all international humanitarian laws? Would you consider repealing the 2016 anti-Palestinian/anti-BDS motion passed in the House of Commons?

Yes

Are you prepared to support sanctions in this regard for Israel’s human rights violations against the people of Palestine?

Yes

Do you support government sanctions on Israel, including a bilateral military embargo, until it complies with international humanitarian law, the Fourth Geneva Convention and dismantles its apartheid regime?

Yes

Do you support justice for the Palestinian people by holding Israel accountable for its ethnic cleansing, war crimes and apartheid?

Yes

Do you oppose the anti-Palestinian, anti-democratic and politically charged IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, and do you pledge to reverse this racist Canadian government position? 

Yes

Do you oppose foreign countries influencing Canadian domestic policy, and would you work to reverse the listing of the Palestinian resistance organizations on the terrorist list? Do you feel Canada’s policies on these important issues should be decided by what the Israeli government dictates?

Yes

Do you support the immediate investigation & remediation by the Canadian government of the systemic ill-treatment of Palestinian children, including illegal administrative detention & solitary confinement within the Israeli occupied territories?

Yes

Anthony Martin, Tobique—Mactaquac

Do you recognize the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality?

The right to return needs to be acknowledged by Canada; the act of resettlement is simply another step in the oppression of Palestinians. Land was taken from the Palestinian people in order to form Israel, and much more land has been encroached on since. Palestinians deserve full equality- this is a fundamental right; Talking is just that- talking. Real action needs to be taken and the Israeli government needs to be held accountable to their commitments.

Do you respect, protect and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194?

I indeed respect the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194. They have a right to their property and should be compensated for land that was taken from them. Palestinians have been forcibly removed from their own homes in order for Israel to build more settlements. This cannot stand. Canada publicly states support for a Palestinian state yet opposes the idea in the UN General Assembly. This hypocrisy needs to be rectified.

Do you support ending Israeli occupation and colonization of all Arab lands, that was permitted to stand for 54 years, and dismantling the Wall, and support the necessary concrete measures to implement such a commitment?  

The government of Israel must cease the occupation of Palestinian land and remove their illegal settlements. This echoes what Canada has committed against its Indigenous population, so of all countries to learn from the past, it is shameful that Canada will not protect those oppressed in the present. Canada must sanction Israel and encourage other nations to do so for this to happen.

Do you agree to investigate and oppose Canadian tax-deductible status for any Zionist organizations registered as charities that violate Canadian law?

As with any cultural group, I am not opposed to the formation of Zionist organizations. This changes if the organization promotes or is involved in racism/violence. In this case, their charitable status should be removed, and appropriate consequences taken.

Do you recognize the rights of Canadians to support the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement as a non-violent strategy to force Israel to abide by UN resolutions and all international humanitarian laws? Would you consider repealing the 2016 anti-Palestinian/anti-BDS motion passed in the House of Commons?

The sales of weapons and technology to Israel directly harms the Palestinian people. These interactions must immediately be ceased and condemned. I would work to repeal the anti-Palestinian/anti-BDS motion that was passed in the House of Commons.

Are you prepared to support sanctions in this regard for Israel’s human rights violations against the people of Palestine?

Canada both refuses to sanction Israel or admit that Israel is an apartheid state. With Canada unjustly sanctioning other countries, it is unacceptable that the government will not step in to stand up to Israel’s human rights violations. It is widely stated that any criticism of Israel or the Israeli government is anti-Semitic. This is not the case- holding a government responsible for atrocities committed is not relevant to the religion or background of the country in question. Criticism is not anti-Semitic. However, any sanctions made should harm the government and not the people. The people are not at fault for government actions and should not be punished as such. Under the Special Economics Measures Act, Canadian law requires sanctions on countries that commit “gross and systematic human rights violations”.

Do you support government sanctions on Israel, including a bilateral military embargo, until it complies with international humanitarian law, the Fourth Geneva Convention and dismantles its apartheid regime?

Canada should promote and participate in an embargo on all military sales to Israel with other influential countries, namely the USA.

Do you support justice for the Palestinian people by holding Israel accountable for its ethnic cleansing, war crimes and apartheid?

Israel should be held accountable for its war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid. All officials involved should be thoroughly investigated and held accountable. Israeli leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu should be held accountable for the actions they have taken.

Do you oppose the anti-Palestinian, anti-democratic and politically charged IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, and do you pledge to reverse this racist Canadian government position?

Speaking against or criticizing the Israeli government and its actions is not anti-Semitic. You can hold their government accountable without being prejudiced. Religion or ethnicity does not allow a free pass on human rights violations. As an oppressed population themselves, Israel should be all the more sensitive to the violations it undertakes against Palestinians. The IHRA definition lists 7 out of 11 examples that “conflate antisemitism with criticism of Israel and Zionism.” This is a racist approach and needs to be changed.

Do you oppose foreign countries influencing Canadian domestic policy, and would you work to reverse the listing of the Palestinian resistance organizations on the terrorist list? Do you feel Canada’s policies on these important issues should be decided by what the Israeli government dictates?

Canada’s domestic policies should be made and upheld by Canadians, and Canadians alone. The opinions of other countries should absolutely not have an affect on how we enact our policies or beliefs. Palestinian resistance organizations exist out of the obligation felt by Palestinians to defend their homes and people. I would work to remove these groups from the terror list because they are doing what any group would do to defend their home; they are only labelled as terrorists to fit Israel’s narrative. Israel’s influence should not be felt in Canadian policy.

Do you support the immediate investigation & remediation by the Canadian government of the systemic ill-treatment of Palestinian children, including illegal administrative detention & solitary confinement within the Israeli occupied territories?

The Canadian government should investigate and appropriately take action on the violations of the rights of Palestinians and Palestinian children. Illegal detentions and solitary confinement are human rights abuses and should be recognized as torture, especially with regards to children. Canada has the opportunity and the obligation to be a leader on the world stage, and we can do this by standing up for Palestine, instead of falling in step of whatever the US wants to do.

Thank you for reaching out and providing the information I recieved,

Daniel Brisbin, Battle River—Crowfoot

Yes I support it [the GPC 2016 approved resolution on Palestine].  Feel free to add me to your website. Thanks so much for everything you are doing!

Darcie Lanthier, Charlottetown

“I was there, in Calgary, when we passed that motion. We also voted to repudiate the doctrine of discovery and chose Mixed Member Proportional Representation as our preferred form of PR.

I fully supported all of these motions.”

Anna Keenan, Malpeque

I support the December 2016 Green Party policy wholeheartedly. Thank you for your work.

Clément Badra,  Mont-Royal | Mount-Royal candidate

Yes to all questions, including support of the approved Green Party of Canada policy from 2016.

Rana Zaman in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour

Rana indicates she fully supports the Green Party platform on Palestine.

Elizabeth May, O.C., Saanich-Gulf Islands

Thank you for your letter requesting my position on the pressing issue of Palestinian rights.  I apologize for the delay in replying.

I have been a fervent supporter of the rights of Palestinians and the requirement for a more even-handed Canadian policy related to our relationship with Israel. I fully support the consensus policy adopted at the GPC Calgary Special General meeting in 2016.

My parliamentary record makes it clear that I have acted for Palestinian rights.  Once the Conservatives were defeated in 2015, I worked with two other MPs, Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) and Mario Beaulieu (BQ) to re-create the Canada-Palestinian Parliamentary Friendship Group. We recruited a Liberal to be chair and then organized the largest ever “parliamentarians” trip

to Occupied Territory.  Working with the Permanent Representative from Palestine to Canada, in spring 2018, we brought 18 MPs from all five parties in parliament to a tour of Occupied Territory of the West Bank.  We met with Palestinian leadership, educators, mayors and key NGO’s like Breaking the Silence and B’Tselem in Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron and Jerusalem.   Our report called attention to the abuse of Palestinian children’s right and human rights by the Israeli military.

In the 2019 election, I became the only leader of any party in Canadian history to raise the rights of Palestinians in an Election Leaders’ debate.  I took on Conservative leader Andrew Scheer when he attacked UNRWA in the Macleans debate.

In May 2021, I put the strongest question ever in Question Period (Hansard excerpt below)

Elizabeth May (Saanich—Gulf Islands)
2021-05-13 15:08 [p.7196]

Mr. Speaker, the increasing crisis in the Middle East is a danger to the region and beyond. We are hobbled when we limit our response to “both sides must de-escalate”. Yes, they must, but true peace will never be achieved if we keep ignoring that one side is the occupier, the other is occupied.

This current crisis was provoked by actions of the Netanyahu government and other extreme elements within settler groups. Can Canada speak out clearly to defend the Palestinian people against illegal annexation, illegal settlements and illegal forced evictions?

Hon. Marc Garneau (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount)
2021-05-13 15:09 [p.7196]

Mr. Speaker, Canada remains gravely concerned by the continued expansion of settlements and by the demolitions and evictions, including the ongoing cases of Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan. These actions impact families and livelihoods, and do not serve peace or international law. Unilateral actions that prejudice the outcome of direct negotiations and further jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution must be avoided. We will always stand ready to support efforts for a two-state solution.

I confirm a “yes” to all the questions in your survey.  We need to apply pressure n the State of Israel and use effective tools. Still, I do not believe the BDS label is helpful. I know from friends in Israel and in Palestine that the banner “Boycott Israel” has been a domestic boon to right wing Israeli politicians. The actions of the right-wing government under former prime minister Netanyahu was undermining hopes for peace.  Illegal expansion and seizure of Palestinian lands was undermining peace.  Our policy is clear that all forms of violence are denounced. We denounce Hamas and its attacks on Israel as we denounce the excessive use of force against unarmed Palestinians.

As a truly global party, Greens have the benefit of asking our “cousins” in other countries about our own policy choices.  Respect for Diversity and Support for Human Rights are two of our six core Green values. Greens are always in the forefront of denouncing human rights abuses wherever they occur around the world. Thanks to our eyes and ears on the ground around the world, we stand in solidarity with marginalized and oppressed peoples.

During the height of this spring’s violent escalation, Stav Shaffir, leader of the Green Party of Israel wrote that moderates – Israeli and Arab – must make common cause against the extremists. (“There is only one war: Extremists vs. the Moderates,” Haaretz, May 20, 2021). As Stav Shaffir, herself a former Knesset member, pointed out, extremists – Netanyahu and Hamas – are essentially allies in trying to destroy the chances for peace. Those seeking peace and justice must work together.

In that, there is no room for racism, hatreds, and name-calling smears. Mutual respect guides us in all things.

I hope this answers all your concerns.

Elizabeth May also confirmed in regard to the 2016 approved policy

That is our policy. I embrace it and stand by it.

Lenore Morris,Yukon 

Thank you for your message. I support the existing GPC policy: https://www.greenparty.ca/en/sgm-2016/voting/resolutions/s16-p013#main-content . Which policy includes BDS.

Imtiaz Popat, Vancouver Granville

The approved Green Party policy

This policy was adopted at a GPC special meeting held in Calgary in December 2016 with the support of 84% of the members g. A month later, it was ratified by 91% of Green Party members who voted in an online vote.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Green Party of Canada (GPC) calls on the legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people and the State of Israel to accord mutually recognized statehood.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Green Party of Canada denounces violence in all of its forms, recognizes that it can only lead to failure in conflict resolution, and supports only non-violent responses to violence and oppression, including economic measures such as government sanctions, consumer boycotts, institutional divestment, economic sanctions and arms embargoes; and

BE IT RESOLVED the GPC calls on the Government of Israel to: respect the intent of UN Resolution 194, the implementation of which is to be negotiated in good faith with the legitimate representatives of the Palestinians, accord to the Arab-Palestinian population of Israel equal political and civil rights, and end Israel’s illegal occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and the Golan Heights, and Israel’s siege of Gaza;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Green Party of Canada reconfirms its policy of condemning illegal settlement construction in the OPT, and calls for an immediate end to further settlement construction and expansion, and the dismantling of current settlements in the OPT, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The Green Party of Canada calls on the government of Canada take strong diplomatic action, including economic pressure, in order to ensure the attainment of the three objectives identified in the preceding paragraph and to encourage Israel to enter into good faith negotiations with legitimate representatives of the Palestinian people for the purpose of establishing a viable, contiguous and truly sovereign Palestinian state. Such economic pressure should include, but not be limited to:

A ban on the importation into Canada of products produced wholly or partly within or by illegal Israeli settlements, or by Israeli businesses directly benefiting from the illegal occupation;

Renegotiation of the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) such that it explicitly excludes products produced wholly or partly within or by illegal Israeli settlements, or by Israeli businesses operating within the OPT;

The strengthening of CIFTA compliance/audit provisions in such ways and clauses as to ensure that imported products labeled “Made in Israel” are actually produced, entirely and exclusively, within Israel’s internationally recognized borders;

The termination and indefinite suspension of all military and surveillance trade and cooperation between, on the one hand, the Government of Canada and Canadian corporations or residents of Canada and, on the other hand, the State of Israel, Israeli corporations or residents of Israel’s illegal settlements;

The repeal the House of Commons resolution condemning the BDS movement (Vote #14, 42nd Parliament, 1st Session; 22 February 2016.)

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Green Party of Canada calls on the Government of Canada to assess the investments it has under its control and to divest from any companies which are directly benefiting from activity within Israel’s illegal settlements or its occupation of the OPT; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the GPC calls on the Government of Canada to warn of the legal consequences of trade and investment in the illegal settlements;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Green Party of Canada, and if elected, a Green government, as part of a policy on ethical purchases, will not purchase or use products produced by companies which are profiting from activity within Israel’s illegal settlements or its occupation of the OPT; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Green Party of Canada calls on the Canadian Government to recognize the State of Palestine, and, should Canada gain a seat on the UN Security Council, the Green Party of Canada calls on the Canadian Government to pursue aggressively all possible diplomatic pressure on Israel, as well as on the United States to use its massive military aid to Israel as a lever to push for peace; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Green Party of Canada calls on the Government of Canada to ask the International Criminal Court to prioritize its investigation into charges of potential war crimes by members of the Israeli forces, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that; Policy G16-P006-A Palestinian Self-Determination and the Movement for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions as voted on at the August 2016 BGM be repealed and replaced by this policy.

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NDP 

Beisan Zubi. Kitchener Centre

I support motion 194 and voted for it at convention.

I believe in the right of return for Palestinian refugees is an essential part of a just and lasting peace

I believe in the right of Indigenous people to resist violent occupation by settler colonial states.

I believe peace and Justice and that will only come when Palestinians have equal rights, access and hope for a better future.

I support consumer boycotts of any product they feel is unethical, that is the foundation of consumer choice. I believe Canada should immediately end the sales of arms to those using them against defenceless citizens, including to Saudi Arabia and Israel.

I oppose all foreign entities unduly influencing Canadian domestic policies. I support Canada’s decolonization and know that we have no authority abroad as long as we continue to overlook and ignore human rights atrocities.

Yavar Hameed, Ottawa West—Nepean

Do you recognize the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality?

As a human rights lawyer myself, I believe in a rights-based approach to politics. I recognize the fundamental rights of Arab-Palestinians in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to be free from discrimination, oppression and violence. 

Do you respect, protect and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194?

I support UN resolution 194. The NDP supports a settlement that will advance peace between Israel and Palestine.

Do you support ending Israeli occupation and colonization of all Arab lands, that was permitted to stand for 54 years, and dismantling the Wall, and support the necessary concrete measures to implement such a commitment?  

I support ending the Israeli occupation of all Arabs lands as well as dismantling the Wall, as both have been deemed illegal under international law. I oppose the building of any new settlements in the West Bank and believe this is a key barrier to peace. The NDP commits to playing an active role in advancing peace between Israel and Palestine.

Do you agree to investigate and oppose Canadian tax-deductible status for any Zionist organizations registered as charities that violate Canadian law?

The NDP is committed to ensuring that Canadian-made weapons are not fuelling conflict and human rights abuses. In the same vein, I would support an investigation into the work of Zionist organizations registered as charities in Canada to better understand the impacts of their work and whether these organizations are directly or indirectly supporting violations of International Law, including but not limited to violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention and UN resolutions relating to the illegal occupation in the West Bank.  I am also mindful of the recent observations of Michael Lynk, special rapporteur on Palestine to the Human Rights Council from July 2021, stating that Israeli settlements did amount to a war crime. Appropriate measures should be taken once the investigation is complete to determine how funds are being used by relevant organizations.  Measures will be contingent on the findings of the investigation.

Do you recognize the rights of Canadians to support the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement as a non-violent strategy to force Israel to abide by UN resolutions and all international humanitarian laws? Would you consider repealing the 2016 anti-Palestinian/anti-BDS motion passed in the House of Commons?

The NDP unanimously voted against the motion anti-Palestinian/ anti-BDS motion in 2016 and would consider repealing the motion. The federal government should not be preventing any Canadian from their right to political expression and organization.

Are you prepared to support sanctions in this regard for Israel’s human rights violations against the people of Palestine?

The NDP is willing to consider various policy options in order to dissuade Israel from perpetuating human rights violations against the people of Palestine. The imposition of sanctions is consistent with the BDS call out for people and nations throughout the world. The NDP has not endorsed sanctions as a method of promoting human rights in Palestine, but has opposed arms sales to Israel. Personally, I think that sanctions need to be explored as an option and would press within the party to have that discussion.

Do you support government sanctions on Israel, including a bilateral military embargo, until it complies with international humanitarian law, the Fourth Geneva Convention and dismantles its apartheid regime?

The NDP is committed to ensuring that Canadian-made weapons are not fuelling conflict and human rights abuses. This means imposing an arms embargo against Canadian weapons sales to Israel as Mr. Singh announced in May 2021.

Do you support justice for the Palestinian people by holding Israel accountable for its ethnic cleansing, war crimes and apartheid?

Yes. We support justice for Palestinian people to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law. 

Do you oppose the anti-Palestinian, anti-democratic and politically charged IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, and do you pledge to reverse this racist Canadian government position?

I believe anti-Semitism in all its forms is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. This means that there must be a definition of anti-Semitism that reflects the conscience and rights of all peoples, including the entire Jewish community. The IHRA definition effectively condemns criticism of the state of Israel as anti-Semitic through some of its illustrative examples.  This means that Jews, whether inside or outside of Israel, may be cast as being anti-Semitic for harboring and expressing views that criticize Israel or agree with the view of international organizations like Human Rights Watch that Israel is engaged in Apartheid. By extension, this places the stigma of what has been referred to as “self-hating Jew” on persons who express these critical views. People in Ottawa and Ottawa West Nepean, have expressed reservation about such implications of the IHRA definition, which have the effect of rendering the definition itself anti-Semitic.

Do you oppose foreign countries influencing Canadian domestic policy, and would you work to reverse the listing of the Palestinian resistance organizations on the terrorist list? Do you feel Canada’s policies on these important issues should be decided by what the Israeli government dictates?

The NDP does not support any group that promotes violence. While the NDP is concerned with the state of relations between Israel and Palestine, we will not support violent conflict, especially when directed at civilians. Such violence perpetuates cycles of conflict, grievance and retribution, and inherently inhibits pathways to peace.  Canada should also certainly not be directed by the dictates of a foreign state and must assess information, laws and intelligence based on Canadian human rights standards and the Rule of Law.

Do you support the immediate investigation & remediation by the Canadian government of the systemic ill-treatment of Palestinian children, including illegal administrative detention & solitary confinement within the Israeli occupied territories?

I support an immediate investigation into the ill-treatment of Palestinian children performed by the United Nations. I believe in the right of Palestinians to be free from systemic racism and discrimination and to have access to adequate legal resources. 

Again, thank you for these extremely important questions. I hope I can rely on your support on September 20th.

Rowan Woodmass, Laval-les-Îles

I support BDS. Thank-you for reaching out.

Des Bissonnette, NDP Candidate for Lakeland

I am very pleased to see your coalition seeking accountability from myself and my colleagues on this extremely critical issue.

I stand for freedom, justice and equality for the Palestinian people, and wholly believe that “freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.”

During the convention I joined Courage Coalition in their goal to bring Resolution 04-10-20 to the floor. I was very pleased that the NDP adopted the resolution and that it has become policy. I support the motion and ending all trade and economic cooperation with illegal settlements in Israel-Palestine, as well as suspending the bilateral trade of all arms and related materials with the State of Israel until Palestinian rights are upheld.

I will respond to your Questionnaire points as well. As I am still educating myself on the historical context of the Palestinian occupation, I will respond to the best of my ability and knowledge. If anyone from the Coalition has recommendations for books or other resources and wish to share then with me please feel free to. I am currently working through Palestine: A Socialist Introduction from Haymarket Books.

Do you recognize the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality?

Absolutely.

Do you respect, protect and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194?

Yes.

Do you support ending Israeli occupation and colonization of all Arab lands, that was permitted to stand for 54 years, and dismantling the Wall, and support the necessary concrete measures to implement such a commitment?

Yes, I fully believe in the ending of the occupation and Land Back for Palestinians.

Do you agree to investigate and oppose Canadian tax-deductible status for any Zionist organizations registered as charities that violate Canadian law?

Yes, 100%. I was unaware of these violations and I greatly appreciate you bringing them to my attention.

Do you recognize the rights of Canadians to support the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement as a non-violent strategy to force Israel to abide by UN resolutions and all international humanitarian laws? Would you consider repealing the 2016 anti-Palestinian/anti-BDS motion passed in the House of Commons?

Yes, I would support a repeal of the 2016 motion.

Are you prepared to support sanctions in this regard for Israel’s human rights violations against the people of Palestine?

Yes.

Do you support government sanctions on Israel, including a bilateral military embargo, until it complies with international humanitarian law, the Fourth Geneva Convention and dismantles its apartheid regime?

Yes.

Do you support justice for the Palestinian people by holding Israel accountable for its ethnic cleansing, war crimes and apartheid?

Yes, absolutely without question.

Do you oppose the anti-Palestinian, anti-democratic and politically charged IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, and do you pledge to reverse this racist Canadian government position?

I oppose the IHRA definition and as MP would work to reverse this position, as well as demand accountability from the people who supported it initially.

Do you oppose foreign countries influencing Canadian domestic policy, and would you work to reverse the listing of the Palestinian resistance organizations on the terrorist list? Do you feel Canada’s policies on these important issues should be decided by what the Israeli government dictates?

I do not think the Israeli government should have any say in Canadian foreign policy, and I do not believe any Palestinian resistance organizations deserve the label of “terrorist”. As MP I would advocate and work for their removal from the list.

Do you support the immediate investigation & remediation by the Canadian government of the systemic ill-treatment of Palestinian children, including illegal administrative detention & solitary confinement within the Israeli occupied territories?

I am sickened to hear their response, though unsurprised given the colonial history of Canada. Our country must own up to its complacency in apartheid, both abroad and at home, and I would support an investigation regarding the brief.

Konstantine Malakos, Glengarry-Prescott-Russell

I absolutely support that resolution. In my role on my riding association, I voted to co-sponsor it. I am a staunch ally to the Palestinian people.

Do you recognize the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality?

Absolutely. It is a travesty that they are being forced to live under such horrific conditions.

Do you respect, protect and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194?

I do

Do you support ending Israeli occupation and colonization of all Arab lands, that was permitted to stand for 54 years, and dismantling the Wall, and support the necessary concrete measures to implement such a commitment?  

I support an end to the occupation, including everything that will entail

Do you agree to investigate and oppose Canadian tax-deductible status for any Zionist organizations registered as charities that violate Canadian law?

I do not know enough about the issue at hand, but more generally no organization breaking Canadian laws should be given tax deductible status

Do you recognize the rights of Canadians to support the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement as a non-violent strategy to force Israel to abide by UN resolutions and all international humanitarian laws? Would you consider repealing the 2016 anti-Palestinian/anti-BDS motion passed in the House of Commons?

BDS is a powerful tool as we saw in South Africa the right to Boycott divest and sanction must be protected.

Are you prepared to support sanctions in this regard for Israel’s human rights violations against the people of Palestine?

I am

Do you support government sanctions on Israel, including a bilateral military embargo, until it complies with international humanitarian law, the Fourth Geneva Convention and dismantles its apartheid regime?

I do

Do you support justice for the Palestinian people by holding Israel accountable for its ethnic cleansing, war crimes and apartheid?

I do

Do you oppose the anti-Palestinian, anti-democratic and politically charged IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, and do you pledge to reverse this racist Canadian government position?

I also was involved in co-sponsoring a resolution to oppose that definition. I do not support its examples

In February 2021, a pro-Israel lobby group tried to push the Canadian government to follow Israel’s lead and label a Palestinian prisoner support group as “terrorist”, thereby criminalizing Palestinian advocacy work in Canada. In 2003, the Canadian government added major Palestinian resistance organizations to its terrorist list, again in part due to pressure from Canadian Zionist organizations.

Do you oppose foreign countries influencing Canadian domestic policy, and would you work to reverse the listing of the Palestinian resistance organizations on the terrorist list? Do you feel Canada’s policies on these important issues should be decided by what the Israeli government dictates?

I need to learn more about the groups in question but speaking more generally I do not believe that Israel or any other foreign governments should be dictating who Canada will define as a terrorist.

On April 6, 2021, a comprehensive brief regarding Israeli abuses of Palestinian children was submitted to Parliament’s Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development; their response was that their agenda could not fit this issue.

Do you support the immediate investigation & remediation by the Canadian government of the systemic ill-treatment of Palestinian children, including illegal administrative detention & solitary confinement within the Israeli occupied territories?  

I do

Kalden Dhatsenpa, Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne

My organization Courage was behind the adoption of this policy.

http://www.couragecoalition.ca/ndp2021resos/

http://www.couragecoalition.ca/courage-demands-more-to-aid-palestine/

http://www.couragecoalition.ca/a-montreal-statement-on-justice-in-palestine/

We need stronger embargoes on canadian companies profiting from the oppression of Palestine.

In addition to the NDP’s official policy i would call for blockades of ZIM ships in Canadian ports, as well as punitive action against any and all canadian corporations and individuals profiting off of Israeli military occupation.

Free Palestine from the river to the sea,

In solidarity from a Tibetan Canadian,

Kalden Rangdrol Dhatsenpa

Avneet Johal, Surrey-Newton NDP

Shannon O’Toole, Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek

Sandra Nixon, Richmond Centre

Suresh Arangath, Kitchener South—Hespeler

I stand with the NDP policy on this issue . I do not support any human right violations and think there should be peace in the region. It is an issue we must address with utmost urgency and importance .

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Clare Hacksel,Toronto-Danforth NDP

Thank you for reaching out to our campaign. Clare Hacksel does support the motion and the NDP policy as it relates to divesting from arms sales to Israel and solidarity with the Palestinian people. We’ll respond to your survey as soon as possible.

Shailene Panylo, Oshawa

Thank you for interest in the NDP’s position on the protracted conflict in Israel and Palestine.

New Democrats recognize both Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in safety and security. There will be no solution to this protracted conflict until there is an end to the 50-year occupation of Palestinian territories, which is illegal under international law.

For years, successive Liberal and Conservative governments have said they are committed to a two-state solution yet have continued to support the status quo.

New Democrats are committed to making Canada a force for peace. We have consistently called for an end to arms sales to countries that violate human rights and international law, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Recognizing that both Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in safety and security, we will work towards a just and lasting two-state solution between Israel and Palestine that respects human rights and upholds international law. Canada must play an active and constructive role in advancing peace, beginning by suspending arms sales to Israel until the end of the illegal occupation, as well as working to ensure no illegal arms are sent to Hamas.

Canada also must play a stronger role in pushing for a resolution to this conflict, including calling for an end to the illegal occupation, settlements and evictions, recognizing the statehood of Palestine, urging Israel to allow Palestinians in East Jerusalem to participate in the Palestinian election, and playing an active role in helping build a just and sustainable solution for Palestinians and Israelis.

Thank you again for contacting me.

Also, Lisa Roberts, Halifax has provided the same response. As well, Blake Desjarlais-Edmonton Griesbach, Brian Dias-Whitby,   Scott Robertson-Nipissing Timiskaming, Emily Clark- Kildonan St. Paul, Heather MacKenzie-Edmonton Center, Yvonne Kelly-Newmarket Aurora, Jim Hanson- Burnaby North Seymour, Alistair MacGregor-  Cowichan Malahat Langford

Peter Julian, New Westminster—Burnaby

Peter Julian also provided the above statement but also his team indicated that:

Peter pledged to oppose Israel’s unlawful annexations and is proud to have signed CJPME’s “Sign the Pledge” campaign. Peter understands that Canada has a responsibility to stand up for international law and human rights. For this reason, the Canadian government must show meaningful opposition to the annexation plans recently announced by Israeli leaders.

The NDP continues to call on the Canadian government to consider all reasonable diplomatic and economic options to stop annexation and prompt Israeli compliance with international law.

The NDP has called on Canada to stop selling arms to countries that violate Human Rights and International Laws such as Saudi Arabia, Libya, Turkey and Sudan and now, it is time for Canada to stop the selling of Canadian arms to Israel and for a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, until the end of the illegal occupation. The NDP has been pressing Canada to end the sale of arms to Israel and calling for economic sanctions against Israel. Canada must play an active and constructive role in advancing peace, beginning by suspending arms sales to Israel until the end of the illegal occupation, as well as working to ensure no illegal arms are sent to Hamas.

Canada should recognize a Palestine state and support Palestine in seeking justice at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Peter is also in support on pushing Canada to reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of Antisemitism. Canada should end the trade of technology complicit in war crimes against Palestinians (Revoke the $36.16 million contract to Elbit Systems Ltd.). The federal government should also the trade from illegal Israeli settlements (as per UN security council 2334 that deems Israeli settlements as illegal). Canada should continue and increase assistance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Canada must play a stronger role in pushing for a resolution to this conflict, including calling for an end to the illegal occupation, settlements, demolitions, and forced evictions of Palestinians from their homes, recognizing the statehood of Palestine, Palestinians’ right to return and to live in dignity and equality, urging Israel to allow Palestinians in East Jerusalem to participate in the Palestinian election, and playing an active role in helping build a just and sustainable solution for Palestinians and Israelis.

New Democrats will continue to raise the issue of human rights violations in the occupied territories. Canada must play an active role in putting pressure on Israel and in helping build a peaceful resolution to this conflict and a just and sustainable solution for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Nicole Robicheau, University-Rosedale

Hello, thank you for your email. As a humanitarian worker who has travelled to the West Bank in the context of my humanitarian work, I fully support the resolution below adopted in April by the NDP membership.

Thanks so much for reaching out.

Bill Sundhu, Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo

Bill Sundhu is a noted human rights lawyer with international experience. He supports this and all other NDP policy. From Bill Sundhu’s team.

Mathieu Boisvert, Mégantic—L’Érable

Thank you for writing to me. Please find my statement below:

I and my fellow New Democrats recognize both Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in safety and security. There will be no solution to this protracted conflict until there is an end to the 50-year occupation of Palestinian territories, which is illegal under international law.

For years, successive Liberal and Conservative governments have said they are committed to a two-state solution yet have continued to support the status quo.

New Democrats are committed to making Canada a force for peace. We have consistently called for an end to arms sales to countries that violate human rights and international law, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Recognizing that both Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in safety and security, we will work towards a just and lasting two-state solution between Israel and Palestine that respects human rights and upholds international law. Canada must play an active and constructive role in advancing peace, beginning by suspending arms sales to Israel until the end of the illegal occupation, as well as working to ensure no illegal arms are sent to Hamas.

Canada also must play a stronger role in pushing for a resolution to this conflict, including calling for an end to the illegal occupation, settlements and evictions, recognizing the statehood of Palestine, urging Israel to allow Palestinians in East Jerusalem to participate in the Palestinian election, and playing an active role in helping build a just and sustainable solution for Palestinians and Israelis

Hal Berman, Willowdale

Note: Mr. Berman recently deleted a May 14, 2021 tweet, in which he had stated that using the term Nakba is “offensive” and referenced it as “hateful language”. 

I appreciate your attention to detail. I will try to provide more details of my position.

Personally, I do not feel that Canada should be involved in the sale of arms at all.  This includes Israel and it includes any other country that is purchasing them.  Regardless of whether Israel removes its settlements or not or ends its occupation, my opinion would not change.

The solutions that will bring peace must come from the two parties that are in conflict, not be imposed by others.  That does not mean that pressure should not be brought to bear to encourage recalcitrant parties to bargain in good faith, something that is currently not happening.

With respect to the details, and some of the questions you ask, I think that ideally our party should have a united front.  I am confident in the leadership of Jagmeet Singh on this issue, and I wholeheartedly consent for him to speak for me.

Note we have not heard from leader Jagmeet Singh or the NDP party.

Alejandra Bravo, Davenport

On behalf of Alejandra Bravo, the NDP candidate in Davenport I am writing to confirm that Alejandra is a long-time anti-racist activist and has been active and involved in liberation struggles for over 20 years, including the liberation Palestinians. Like you, she too stands for freedom, justice and equality for the Palestinian people, and believes that we must continue to work every day to support the freedom and liberation of the marginalized and colonialized people.

I can also confirm that Alejandra supports the resolution that was passed at the NDP federal Convention in 2021. freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians. Alejandra is in agreement with the position of B’Tselem and Human Rights Watch and is concerned about the ongoing situation in Palestine.

As you probably know, the NDP policy.is as follows:
Recognizing that both Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in safety and security, we will work towards a just and lasting two-state solution between Israel and Palestine that respects human rights and upholds international law. Canada must play an active and constructive role in advancing peace, beginning by suspending arms sales to Israel until the end of the illegal occupation.

Alejandra also recognizes the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel and believes in equality for them to be able to vote in democratic elections, and the right to return.

I can also confirm that Alejandra also respects, promotes and will act to help protect the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.

Jack Trovato,  Steveston-Richmond East

Canadians are proud of our role in the world, and they want a government that will make the right choices to help people – but under Conservative and Liberal governments, decades of cynical politicking and cuts have meant that Canada is often on the wrong side of important global issues.

It’s time for a different approach.

New Democrats believe that Canadian interests are best served by a strong and principled foreign policy based on human rights, multilateralism and the best interests of global peace and security.

Under a New Democrat government, Canada will be a force for peace. We will support nuclear disarmament, recommend peacekeeping, and ensure that Canadian-made weapons are not fuelling conflict and human rights abuses abroad.

Recognizing that both Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in safety and security, we will work towards a just and lasting two-state solution between Israel and Palestine that respects human rights and upholds international law. Canada must play an active and constructive role in advancing peace, beginning by suspending arms sales to Israel until the end of the illegal occupation.

I was also happy to sign the Vote Palestine’s Candidate Pledge to stand up for Palestinian human rights.

Ibrahim Bruno El-Khoury, Mount Royal

I’m personally affected by the Middle East conflict due to the fact that I’m a survivor of the Lebanon war. Having witnessed war atriocities with hundred thousands of civilian people killed, tortured, massacred, kidnapped, displaced and lost, with complete cities destroyed, I’m standing for full peace. I firmly believe that true longstanding peace requires on-going work on peace making with more justice without saving any efforts. It’s a long journey and lifetime commitment.

If elected, I will further support my party who consider that it’s time for a different approach. New Democrats believe that Canadian interests are best served by a strong and principled foreign policy based on human rights, multilateralism and the best interests of global peace and security.

Under a New Democrat government, Canada will be a force for peace. We will support nuclear disarmament, recommit to peacekeeping, and make sure that Canadian-made weapons are not fuelling conflict and human rights abuses abroad.

Recognizing that both Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in safety and security, we will work towards a just and lasting two-state solution between Israel and Palestine that respects human rights and upholds international law. Canada must play an active and constructive role in advancing peace, beginning by suspending arms sales to Isreal untill the end of the illegal occupation.

I would suggest that a new elected Canadian goverment should undertake the following actions:

Call on the UN Security Council for considering all actions and sanctions necessary to implement its resolutions.

Stop deligitimizing social movements and universities in their peaceful strategy which falls under the right to freedom of expression, as recognized by the European Court of Human Rights.

Play an active role in the process of rebuilding infrastructure and houses in the Gaza Strip.

For me this is about a moral and political responsibility.

Lyse-Pascale Inamuco, Ottawa—Vanier

 I totally support the NDP policy on human rights for Palestine.

I even signed a pledge with Vote Palestine.

I know the NDP opposes the sale of weapons to Israel as long as they are continuing their illegal occupation of parts of Palestine. Jagmeet Singh called for Canada to block arms sales to Israel amid escalating violence. At tle last convetion, the party membership also voted for the policy of blocking trade with the illegal Israeli settelements in Palestine.

NDP Policy

80% of NDP Convention delegates voted in support of the Palestine Resolution at the April 2021 NDP Convention

WHEREAS: Canada and Israel trade millions in arms facilitating an illegal occupation and the Canada-Israel Free Trade agreement violates international law and UNSC resolutions by encouraging illegal settlements.

WHEREAS: Oxfam & UN experts support banning settlement products as do Amnesty & the Canadian Labour Congress who additionally call to end arms sales.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP Policy Book Clause 4.1.f be amended to include:

New Democrats believe in:

f. Working with partners for peace in Israel and Palestine, respecting UN resolutions and international law, supporting peaceful co-existence in viable, independent states with agreed-upon borders, an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, and an end to violence targeting civilians.

To that end:

1. Ending all trade and economic cooperation with illegal settlements in Israel-Palestine

2. Suspending the bilateral trade of all arms and related materials with the State of Israel until Palestinian rights are upheld.