On Monday, March 18 the House of Commons will vote on a private members bill calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Put forward by the NDP, the motion would represent a sizable shift in Canada’s approach to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“We’ve seen the complete failure of the international community to stop the unfolding carnage in Gaza. And we are dismayed by the failure of Canada’s Liberal government to stand up for what is right, for the rule of international law, for humanity, for peace,” said NDP MP Heather McPherson in the House of Commons on Monday.
McPherson called the ongoing conflict horrifying and condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his government’s attack on Palestinian civilians.
“Canadians are horrified by the brutal assault on Gaza over 30,000 civilians have been killed. They were horrified on October 7 by the vile terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists and they are horrified now by the way Netanyahu’s extremist government has responded,” she said.
The motion calls on the Canadian government to stop supporting Israel’s assault on the population of Gaza by ending military and technological aid to Israel, and supporting the International Court of Justice’s investigation into the allegations of genocide being perpetrated by the Israeli military. Furthermore, it calls on the government to place sanctions on Israeli officials who incite genocide.
Significantly, the motion also calls on Canada to officially recognize the state of Palestine.
Calls for relief and aid for the people of Gaza
The NDP are also calling on the government to step up its efforts to provide relief and aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
The motion calls for continuous humanitarian aid to Palestinians and lifting the cap on visa registrations from people in Gaza.
The NDP are also calling for the restoration of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which was suspended earlier this year over yet unproven claims that some of its employees participated in the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel.
“Leaders have a significant platform and position to do something to end the loss of life that is going on right now. I want you to know I hear you and I see you,” said NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. “We are hoping this puts pressure on Canada to do the right thing. To do everything we can to save lives.”
Non-profit advocacy group, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) called on all MPs to vote in favour of the NDP’s motion.
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A statement from CJPME reads:
“While CJPME believes that the motion could have been stronger in certain demands, such as the illegal settlements, we welcome the opportunity for MPs to vote on key demands about holding Israel accountable for its violations of international law and war crimes against Palestinians. MPs must hold the government accountable and ensure that Canada is not further complicit in the worsening genocide in Gaza. It is outrageous that after 150 days, this will be the first opportunity for MPs to vote on how Canada should respond.”
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