Canadian Author and Activist
The NDP foreign affairs critic recently lauded a notorious anti-Palestinian former Liberal cabinet minister. Heather McPherson’s celebration of Irwin Cotler follows on the heels of her maintaining a more hawkish position on Ukraine than the head of the US military. On Thursday McPherson tweeted about meeting Cotler. She wrote, “this afternoon, Professor Irwin Cotler and... Continue Reading →
“Jagmeet Singh: Your Middle East Policy is Dangerous for Jews” read a recent title of a Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs email campaign responding to a message supporting Palestinian rights from the leader of Canada’s third party. In an email to members last week CIJA noted, “Thousands and thousands of you joined in... Continue Reading →
This week Jagmeet Singh attended a reception to promote a state Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the UN Special Rapporteur have all recently accused of committing the crime of apartheid. Even worse, the event was designed to celebrate an odious accord Donald Trump signed to recognize Moroccan colonialism in exchange for Rabat establishing diplomatic... Continue Reading →
When challenging power, it’s imperative to celebrate victories. But it’s also important to understand the political dance is often two steps forward, one step back. In a victory for thousands of party activists, Jagmeet Singh recently released a statement that sharpened the New Democratic Party’s critique of Canada’s contribution to Palestinian dispossession. The NDP leader’s... Continue Reading →
Strange that a member of the NDP executive would echo an anti-Palestinian group’s attacks against the party. Weirder still, this executive who disparaged Jagmeet Singh for taking action on Palestine and attacked those saying Israel practices apartheid, has made similar claims in the past. In one of a half-dozen tweets, Ryan Painter shared a recent... Continue Reading →
Has a leading Canadian politician ever shifted so dramatically on a major policy issue? Eighteen months ago, Jagmeet Singh refused to utter the word “Palestine” but on Aug. 26 he sent out an email announcing the New Democrats’ position on Israel. It says, “We believe Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories is at the... Continue Reading →
Over the past year the NDP’s Palestine policy has dramatically improved. It could portend a decisive break from the social democratic party’s anti-Palestinian history. Recently NDP foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson sent a letter to foreign affairs minister Melanie Joly on “Canada’s position on Israel–Palestine”. The accompanying tweet read: “The NDP will fight for the... Continue Reading →
Canada’s “left wing” party is openly opposed to negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine. In “Feds must do more to support Ukraine, say experts, Ukrainians, opposition MPs” NDP foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson repeats the party’s call to send more weapons to fight Russia and suggests the NDP formally opposes negotiations. The Monday... Continue Reading →
All those who would like to support a political party working for peaceful solutions to military conflicts are being driven away from the New Democratic Party. Instead of advocating for diplomacy, the NDP has long pressed for conflict with Russia. They’ve consistently supported measures that escalate tensions in Ukraine and have prodded the government to... Continue Reading →
NATO’s proponents often claim it’s a democratic force but in Canada’s case the alliance highlights the hollowness of our democracy. A healthy polity requires vigorous debate on important issues, but no major party opposes this country’s most significant and destructive military/foreign policy alliance. In fact, the NDP leadership has gone to great lengths to block... Continue Reading →
Do you understand just how racist and colonial the NDP’s foreign policy seems to many? The party’s apparent racism is on display in its response to widely covered issues such as China and those largely ignored like Haiti. During the federal election campaign in October Jagmeet Singh said Canada should seek to join AUKUS, the... Continue Reading →
As Heather McPherson settles in as new NDP foreign affairs critic here are some suggestions on how to pressure the government to improve Canadian foreign policy. Call on the Trudeau government to withdraw public support from mining companies responsible for significant abuses abroad. Call on the Liberals to immediately withdraw from the Lima Group.... Continue Reading →
Randall Garrison was recently removed as NDP defence critic. Prompted by antiwar and Palestine solidarity campaigners, Garrison’s removal improves the prospect that the social democratic party will shift away from militarism. In the summer two dozen groups signed a public letter instigated by Just Peace Advocates calling for Garrison to be “removed as NDP defence... Continue Reading →
Which is the Canadian political party most likely to stand up to the world’s rich and powerful? Which is willing to help the poorest of the poor gain a semblance of dignity and respect? Which can proudly proclaim, we stand for what is right, not just what is easy and expedient? Unfortunately, the answer is... Continue Reading →
The Canadian foreign policy status quo won Monday’s election. Of course, when it came to international and military affairs the vote had little upside. All the parties with a chance of winning seats in Parliament promote a corporate, military and Washington-centred foreign policy. But a Conservative victory would have made things worse. At least... Continue Reading →
During the first month of the election campaign the discussion of international and military affairs has been dismal at worst and non-existent at best. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to the problem that requires a profound shake up in the popular understanding of Canada’s place in the world. A number of liberal minded foreign... Continue Reading →
The NDP’s foreign and defence policy election statements are poor. Let’s begin by looking at the good part of the NDP’s platform. The highlight of “A better role in the world” is a call to “suspend arms sales to Israel until the end of the illegal occupation.” The call for a patent waiver on COVID... Continue Reading →
How about a little friendly pressure? Hopefully that’s all it would take for Left NDP MPs to join Neil Young, Stephen Lewis, Teagan and Sarah, David Suzuki and many other notable Canadian and international figures in calling for government resources to “be used to eliminate boil water advisories on reserves, build light rail lines across... Continue Reading →
Why does the NDP defence critic promote militarism and anti-Palestinian racism? Shouldn’t all critics promote their party’s policies? And if they don’t, what should the party leader do? Randall Garrison complained to the Hill Times that the government’s recent budget didn’t devote enough to the military. In “Opposition MPs say they’re worried about lack of... Continue Reading →
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s call for an arms embargo on Israel is a positive development. But, with tens of thousands taking to the streets across the country on Saturday we should expect more forthright efforts to stop Israeli violence, which has killed well over 220 Palestinians, including 64 children, in the past ten days. Below... Continue Reading →
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