New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh and former Liberal cabinet minister Jenna Sudds are among 28 MPs who have signed a campaign pledge accusing Israel of genocide.
Blacklock's Reporter says the pledge, known as the “Palestinian platform,” was organized by a coalition of anti-Israel groups, including the Canadian Federation of Students and Queers for Palestine.
The pledge calls for Canada to recognize a State of Palestine, increase foreign aid to Gaza, and protect individuals “speaking out against Israel’s illegal occupation and genocide,” according to a statement from organizers.
The signatories include MPs from the New Democratic Party, the Liberal Party, and the Green Party.
Singh’s involvement follows his October 16, 2023, statement urging Canada to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, made nine days after Hamas terrorists killed and kidnapped Israelis, including eight Canadians.
“We cannot allow for the continuing dehumanization of an entire population,” Singh said at the time. “When we stop seeing each other as human, when we stop believing each life has value, this is when the seeds of genocide take hold.”
Criticism followed Singh’s remarks. “I cannot believe I am hearing this even from the NDP,” said Conservative MP Marty Morantz. “I ask, would any country de-escalate after having its people slaughtered in cold blood?”
Among the MPs who signed the pledge are New Democrats Niki Ashton, Taylor Bachrach, Lisa Marie Barron, Alexandre Boulerice, Laurel Collins, Leila Dance, Don Davies, Blake Desjarlais, Leah Gazan, Matthew Green, Gord Johns, Peter Julian, Jenny Kwan, Alistair MacGregor, Brian Masse, Lindsay Mathyssen, Heather McPherson, and Bonita Zarillo.
Liberal MPs who signed include Iqra Khalid, Tim Louis, Adam van Koeverden, Patrick Weiler, Salma Zahid, and Sameer Zuberi. Green Party MPs Elizabeth May and Mike Morrice also endorsed the pledge. No Conservative or Bloc Québécois MPs signed.
The Vote Palestine initiative was sponsored by several activist groups, including the Arab Canadian Lawyers Association, Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council, Labour For Palestine, and Palestine House.