What is the Canadian Arab Federation and what does it stand for?

The Canadian Arab Federation (CAF) is composed of over 40 member organizations and strives to raise awareness of issues impacting the Canadian Arab community.  Its activities and projects include integration programs and language programs for new immigrants (of all origins), publications and education, public awareness, media relations and non-partisan government relations.  CAF focuses on issues of interest to Canadian Arabs, both domestically and internationally. 

The CAF website states that the federation’s core values are:

1. The protection of civil liberties and the equality of human rights;
2. Combating racism and hate in all of its forms;
3. Working with all politicians and all levels of government on issues of importance to Canadian Arabs to promote community empowerment through civic participation;
4. Assuring the accurate representation of Arabs in the media, and in all areas of civil society;
5. A strong, vibrant multicultural Canada.

CAF has long been critical of Canada’s support of Israel despite Israel’s longstanding record of human and humanitarian rights violations.  CAF’s President, Khaled Mouammar, has referred to the state of Israel as the “Israeli Apartheid Regime,” and CAF has repeatedly supported boycott and divestment campaigns directed at Israel.[i] [ii]

CAF receives $447,000 in funding from the government to run settlement programs in Toronto for new immigrants. None of this money funds any of CAF’s political activities. CAF President, Khaled Mouammar, said that any decision to cut funding would hurt all new immigrants, not only Arabs who form only 5% of those who benefit from the CAF’s services.[iii]

Who is Jason Kenney, and what are his allegations against CAF?

Jason Kenney is a Conservative Member of Parliament who, as of early 2009, was serving as Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Jason Kenney is a staunch supporter of Israel, who publicly tends to equate any criticism of Israel to anti-Semitism.[iv] In March, 2009, Kenney announced that – as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration – he would eliminate federal funding for CAF, an organization he has accused as being a racist organization because of its criticism of the current Israeli regime.[v] CAF has asked Kenney’s office to provide evidence of his allegations, but Kenney has so far failed to respond.  The Conservative government has refused to meet with CAF representatives since Stephen Harper came to power in 2006.

Has Kenney provided proof of his allegations against CAF?

Kenney has leveled a number of different allegations against CAF and its leaders.  While some of Kenney’s accusations are serious, he has never provided proof for his accusations despite requests to do so.  For instance, Kenney has accused CAF of promoting hatred and as being racist.  He has also suggested that CAF’s perspectives on Hamas and Hezbollah should disqualify it for government funding.  Nevertheless, Kenney stops short of formally accusing CAF of illegal behaviour, saying, “When I say beyond the pale [referring to CAF’s positions] I don't mean illegal. But these are the kinds of organizations that should receive no formal support from the organs of the Canadian state.” [vi] 

When taking issue with CAF, Kenney usually refers to CAF’s positions on Israeli government policy, and/or the Canadian government’s support of the Israeli government.  Kenney is also known to equate criticism of Israeli government policy with anti-Semitism.  In a speech in March, 2009, for example, Kenney encouraged listeners to “be wary of the rise of a new form of anti-Semitism cloaked in debates about Israel's actions in the Middle East.” [vii]  Kenney refers to himself as an “unapologetic supporter” [viii] of Israel in government, despite the well-documented legal abuses that the Israeli government continues to perpetrate through its military assaults and occupation of Palestinian and Syrian land. 

Is it ethical to attach conditions to government funding? 

Yes.  When the government funds projects or organizations (involved in immigration or other issues) it has a responsibility to ensure that money is used in a way which is consistent with the values of Canadian society.  So, for example, government funding comes with certain management constraints to ensure that the money is spent wisely, on initiatives for which it was intended.  As another example, government funding cannot be used in any way which might promote or promulgate bias based on, for example, age, gender, ethnicity or religion.  These are controls that all Canadians should agree with. 

Canada welcomes more net immigrants per capita than any other country in the world, for social, humanitarian and economic reasons.[ix] For this reason, the government funds programs – like those run by CAF – to help settle and integrate new immigrants to Canada.  The government has at no time accused CAF of mismanaging government funding for its program or accused it of breaking any conditions attached with the funding.

Is it ethical to make government funding dependent on agreement with government policy? 

No. In 1959, a case went to the Supreme Court of Canada after Quebec Premier Maurice Duplessis intervened at the Quebec Liquor Commission to permanently suspend the license of Frank Roncarelli, only because – as the Court ultimately ruled – Roncarelli was a Jehovah’s Witness.   In his ruling, Supreme Court Justice Rand noted that, “To deny or revoke a permit because a citizen exercises an unchallengeable right totally irrelevant to the sale of liquor in a restaurant was as improper as making the decision based upon the color of the individual’s hair.”[x]  Thus, in the current scenario between CAF and Kenney, unless Kenney provides a reasonable legal explanation as to why CAF should cease to receive funding, CAF funding should be re-instated.