The Green Party of Canada has been attacked by the pro-Occupation lobby in Canada over two resolutions proposed for the party’s convention in August. The first resolution expresses support for the “Boycott Israel” movement (BDS), and the second resolution challenges the charitable status in Canada of an organization (the JNF) that participates in Israel’s human rights abuses against Palestinians. The pro-Occupation lobby has gotten hundreds of people to complain to Green Party leader Elizabeth May. Let’s match that, and show the Green Party that Canadians support these resolutions. Continue reading

The struggle for justice and peace in the Middle East is happening at home in Canada as successive Conservative and Liberal governments sustain a $15 billion arms deal for Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) with Saudi Arabia. Early in 2016, the Liberal government granted the required "export permits" for the deal despite the fact that the sale of the LAVs would be in clear violation of both the word and spirit of Canada's export controls.  CJPME and other Canadian human rights groups have highlighted the incompatibilities between the granting of the permits, and Saudi Arabia's appalling record of human rights abuses. Continue reading

The Liberal government is considering re-instating Canada's contributions to the UN aid agency for Palestinian refugees: UNRWA.  UNRWA’s role is to provide education, health care, and other services to the 5 million Palestinian refugees living in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and other countries. Canada, with the US and Europe was a consistent donor to UNRWA for years, until Harper cut all funding 3-4 years ago.  CJPME has been active in trying to encourage the Liberal government to give generously to this need, through press statements, action alerts, letters signed by a large variety of Canadians organizations, and other means.   Continue reading

On February 22, 2016, the House of Commons passed a motion calling the government “to condemn any and all attempts by Canadian organizations, groups or individuals to promote the BDS [Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions] movement, both here at home and abroad.” Civil liberties groups across Canada condemned the motion, considering it an assault on free expression, whether or not one may agree with the BDS movement itself.     Continue reading

Last week, a Conservative-sponsored motion was launched in Canada’s parliament calling for the condemnation of organizations and individuals promoting the “Boycott Israel” (i.e. BDS) movement.  The vote is due to take place Monday, February 22, 2016.  Even if you see this alert after the 22nd, please go ahead and email your MP, as he/she should still hear how you feel on this issue. Continue reading

Many in Canada have been angered by the Canadian government's reluctance to help Syrian refugees, whether via humanitarian aid, or via the acceptance of refugees in Canada.  Canadians should demand that their politicians do more to concretely help Syrian refugees, and to put pressure on ministers to act promptly and compassionately.  Using the form below, please write to your MP, and let him/her know of your demand that more be done for Syrian refugees.  Stephen Harper and other party leaders will also be copied on the email.  

The tragic picture of 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi, drowned off Turkey as he and his family fled Syria as refugees, should be the final straw!  Please call for the resignation of Chris Alexander as Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration!   Continue reading

Many in Canada have been angered by Israel’s treatment of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla III craft and crew of volunteers. Canadians should demand that their politicians denounce Israel’s treatment of the Flotilla volunteers, as well as the inhumane blockade of Gaza.  Using the form below, please write to your MP, and let him/her know of your opposition to such action by the government.  Stephen Harper and other party leaders will also be copied on the email.

Many people in Ontario are alarmed to learn that provincial premier Kathleen Wynne has accepted an invitation to be honoured by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) on June 22.  While Wynne is indeed worthy of honour for a number of her accomplishments, CIJA’s objectives stand opposed to many things Wynne has worked for in her political career.  Wynne has stood for diversity and fairness, and for respect of Indigenous rights, yet CIJA works to deny the indigenous Palestinian people their human rights and civil rights in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.    

Many in Canada were horrified by the CBC article earlier this month which suggested that Canada’s Harper government may legally prosecute Boycott-Israel activists using “hate crime” laws.  The boycott of Israel has nothing to do with “hate,” and such action would violate Canadians’ fundamental rights of freedom of expression and individual liberty.  Using the form below, please write to your MP, and let him/her know of your opposition to such action by the government.