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 →
Supporters of Palestinian rights should praise NDP’s dramatic policy shift
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 →
Peace-minded Canadians deserve a voice in Parliament
NDP foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson’s promotion of NATO and opposition to diplomacy is prolonging the horrors in Ukraine. On Monday McPherson attacked the Liberals for acceding to Germany’s request to allow Siemens’ to return turbines that were repaired at its facilities in Montréal. "It is shocking and disappointing that the Liberal government has decided... Continue Reading →
Where’s outrage about antisemitism at pro-Israel rally?
Flagrant antisemitism at a rally attended by leading politicians has been ignored because the targets of the racist attack stood with the oppressed in Israel. At United Jewish Appeal Toronto’s May 29 Walk with Israel a group of Israel flag-waving individuals crossed the street to berate a half dozen Hasidic Jews holding a Palestinian flag. One woman... Continue Reading →
Public supporters of Israel should expect to be criticized
Liberal MP Ya’ara Saks is claiming to have been the victim of “hate” when young people yelled “stop supporting killing of Palestinians”. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center Canada and B’nai B’rith, as well as NDP MPs, amplified her hypocritical claims on Twitter. A self-described “unapologetic Zionist”, Saks recently... Continue Reading →
NDP policy on Palestine much improved
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 →
NDP onboard with Cons, Liberals in warmongering over Ukraine
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 →
NDP fails those who want peaceful solutions to conflict
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 →
As for NATO all parties agree — follow orders without question
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 →
Let us count the ways Canada supports Israel’s crimes
One of the most disingenuous arguments made by Canadian apologists for Israeli crimes is that it is irrelevant what transpires here. If they genuinely believed this why seek to squash support for Palestinians? In fact, the Zionist colonization/Palestine liberation struggle plays out daily in Canadian bookstores, schools, media, diplomacy and elsewhere. But the forces... Continue Reading →
Eight suggestions for new NDP foreign affairs critic
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 →
Does the NDP want a war with Russia?
Does the NDP want to go to war with Russia? Unfortunately that is the logic of a recent statement by its deputy foreign affairs critic. In an interview with Ukrainian-Canadian media outlet New Pathway, Heather McPherson said the government should promote Ukraine joining NATO. Additionally, she wants Ottawa to expand its military presence in the... Continue Reading →
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