Over the past several months, CJPME has performed extensive research to assess the position of each NDP leadership candidate on the Middle East. As part of this research, in June, CJPME worked with Independent Jewish Voices Canada (IJV) to issue a questionnaire on Middle East issues to all of the candidates. By mid-July, each of the candidates' campaigns had responded to this questionnaire. The current document consolidates CJPME’s research through July 15, and assesses the possible direction of the NDP on the Middle East under the leadership of each of the different candidates. IJV is also conducting its own independent assessment, using slightly different assessment criteria.
Executive Summary
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) has conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Middle East positions of each of the New Democratic Party (NDP) leadership candidates. This analysis incorporated information gathered from a number of different sources: quotes and references in the media, the leadership debates, the Hansard (the record of parliamentary debates), press statements, the candidates' campaign Websites, and more.
Most important in the data gathering and analysis was a questionnaire jointly issued by CJPME and Independent Jewish Voices Canada (IJV) issued to each of the leadership candidates in June. All of the candidates responded to the questionnaire, although two of them (Angus and Singh) chose to answer the questionnaire in a way which deviated from the approach recommended by CJPME and IJV.
With the CJPME-IJV questionnaire, the candidates were asked to identify their stances on a scale of 1 to 5, with the implications of each choice clearly described in the question. Candidates were encouraged to provide commentary with their answers if they desired.
Based on all the information collected, CJPME has determined that – in terms of their commitment to a constructive approach to the Middle East by Canada – the candidates rank as follows:
A+ Niki Ashton
A- Jagmeet Singh
B+ Guy Caron
B Charlie Angus
The “grades” suggested reflect a synthesis and interpretation of both the answers to the CJPME-IJV questionnaire and all the other information gathered through the CJPME analysis. Historically, the NDP has been Canada's left-of-centre party, so NDP leadership candidates could not expect to distinguish themselves in this analysis by repeating the same platitudes as those put forth by candidates from other parties. In its analysis, CJPME was looking for leadership and new ideas on questions of Canada and the Middle East. Similarly, CJPME sought to verify that leadership candidates presented a consistent view of their positions, and looked at how their questionnaire responses compared with their personal record of statements and votes.
Niki Ashton has been the most forthright of the candidates in speaking out for a principled approach to the Middle East. Early in the race, Ashton distinguished herself as the only candidate to include justice for Palestinians as one of the specific policy items in her platform. During her years as an MP, and during the course of the leadership campaign, Ashton has spoken out on several topics – e.g. the Palestinian Nakba; Canada's role in the Middle East; the dismissal of NDP candidates based on their views on Israel-Palestine – that demonstrate her comfort with such stances, and her willingness to uphold international law in the Middle East. Ashton is frank about the need for a just and purposeful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict—one that addresses the underlying roots of the conflict. With Ashton at the helm, the NDP would undoubtedly provide more vocal and effective leadership on Middle East issues.
Jagmeet Singh is familiar with the dynamics of the Middle East, and has frequently taken principled stances on topics related to the region. His leadership opposing the Ontario legislature motion condemning BDS in 2016 is recognized, as have been his statements against the rise of Islamophobia in Canada. Since his election, Singh has taken impressive stands condemning Islamophobia, issuing dozens of statements stressing the importance of naming it as a specific form of racism that must be addressed by the government. Nevertheless, his approach to questions on the Middle East is generally more cautious and has not always been as forthcoming as Ashton in terms of his policy. With Singh as leader, NDP policy on the Middle East might become more progressive, but not quite as energetically or assertively as it would under Ashton.
There was less on the public record concerning Guy Caron and his positions on the Middle East. While Caron took clear and progressive positions in his response to the CJPME-IJV questionnaire, he chose not to provide additional commentary to better contextualize to his answers. Although Caron's campaign has not sought to distinguish itself from the others with bold foreign policy proposals, all of his answers show a strong commitment to international law. With Caron, foreign policy would not be a central focus of the NDP, although there would be the potential for the party to become more progressive on Middle East issues under his leadership.
Charlie Angus and his positions on Middle East issues are generally encouraging, but also sometimes fuzzy. On the one hand, he has frequently challenged the Harper and Trudeau governments' positions on the Middle East: seemingly concerned with the proliferation of weapons in the Middle East, stressing the importance of non-violent activism, and the rights and aspirations of all peoples in the Middle East. However, he occasionally comes across as hesitant in terms of recommending clear action on such issues. For example, he is reluctant to take a tougher stance vis-à-vis Middle East dictatorships; he is also unsure about pursuing sanctions against human rights violators. Under Angus, the NDP’s Middle East policies would likely not regress, but the party would likely create little concrete pressure for Canada to play a more constructive and progressive role in the region.
CJPME’s Assessment of NDP Candidates
The leader of the NDP plays a significant role in shaping public discourse and policy on Canada and the Middle East. Since 2004, both Liberal and Conservative governments have taken foreign policy positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict which have largely favour successive right-wing Israeli governments at the expense of Palestinian human rights. As an opposition voice, the NDP could play a key role in high-lighting such double-standards. Even more significantly, an NDP government could reverse previous policies, and bring some much-needed balance and humanitarian focus to Canada's Middle East policies.
Assessment Criteria
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) has therefore carefully assessed each leadership candidate’s positions on the Middle East, taking into account the following:
- Their response to an CJPME-IJV questionnaire on Middle East policy
- Actions or statements on public record through July 15, 2017 focusing on issues including:
- Canada's relations with Middle Eastern countries
- Islamophobia
- Canada's arms trade
- Canada's policy on Israel-Palestine
- Free speech, criticism of Israel, the Boycott, Divestment Sanctions (BDS) movement, and related issues
- Israel's settlements and their impact on the negotiations process
- Options on resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict
- The blockade of Gaza
- Comments, actions or statements from all sources were considered:
- Comments from the Parliamentary record (i.e. the Hansard)
- Positions or comments communicated via the Internet or Social Media
- Comments in candidates' meetings
- Comments noted or recorded by all media
- Comments made during the NDP leadership debates through July 15
Candidate Analyses
The candidate evaluations below are presented in alphabetical order.
Charlie Angus
Profile – Charlie Angus
Charlie Angus has been the Member of Parliament for the Ontario riding of Timmins-JamesBay since 2004, announcing his candidacy for the NDP leadership in November 2016. Prior to his election, he worked as an author, musician, and Indigenous negotiator. He has held a number of caucus roles, most importantly as Caucus Chair and Indigenous Affairs Critic. Angus has sought to position himself as the candidate for working-class Canadians, with a desire to fight their scepticism and distrust in politics.
Throughout his career, Angus has become highly associated with certain progressive issues: the abuses by waste management corporations, the needs of Toronto’s homeless, and indigenous peoples’ rights. On this third issue, Angus published a book addressing Indigenous injustice in Canada and the government’s longstanding denial of basic rights, including education. During the Harper era, Angus frequently criticized the government for ignoring Indigenous peoples’ issues, with a particular focus on alleviating income disparity and poverty.
Angus’ campaign platform calls for environmental protection, economic equality, and reconciliation between the First Nations Peoples in Canada and the government.
Analysis – Charlie Angus
Charlie Angus is a passionate progressive politician who often uses colourful language in speeches and debate. However, Angus' responses to the Middle East CJPME-IJV questionnaire tended to be more reserved and cautious than some of his public statements on the same issues.
For example, Angus has spoken animatedly about Liberal and Conservative government failings in the control of arms sales, saying Canada needs to "ensure that when we sell weapons to countries [… they are] not just murdering, raping and torturing their own citizens." But in the CJPME-IJV questionnaire, while he called for "the utmost scrutiny" of our arms sales, he refrained from calling for full implementation of the tenets of the international Arms Trade Treaty. He also held back in terms of linking Canada's commercial and diplomatic relations to a country's human rights record.
On the question of Israel-Palestine, it is clear that Angus has a general sympathy for the human rights of Palestinians. He disagrees with Canada's current voting patterns at the UN which favour Israel, saying he supports resolutions which advance peace and which recognize the Palestinians' right to the "occupied territories." During Israel's 2014 war on Gaza, Angus tweeted, "Our thuggish prime minister pumps his chest while people die in Gaza…" On another occasion, Angus admonished Israel for its expansion of its illegal settlements, arguing that Israel's "move […] to take Palestinian land for illegal settlements must be opposed. Canada has a role to play in pushing for justice."
To be fair, in his CJPME-IJV questionnaire response, Angus admits that Israel's settlements are the "biggest obstacle to lasting peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. However, as a Canadian response, he only recommends changes to Canada's labelling practices for products from Israel's illegal settlements. In fact, this seems to be as far as Angus might go in terms of penalizing Israel for its human rights abuses against Palestinians. In his questionnaire response, he opposed any type of sanction on Israel, arguing that any sanctions would inevitably be counter-productive.
Angus was outspoken against the February, 2016 Parliamentary motion to condemn the BDS movement. He made impassioned statements against the motion on the basis of freedom of expression, but nevertheless admitted, "I do not know if [BDS] is a tactic that I approve of." His CJPME-IJV questionnaire response was similar: he opposes legislative condemnations of BDS, but makes no statement in support of the principles or tactic of BDS. Like the other federal NDP leadership candidates, Angus voted against the anti-BDS motion.
Angus is solidly opposed to Islamophobia, on record several times castigating the Harper government for demonizing Muslim Canadians. His CJPME-IJV questionnaire response supported this position, bewailing the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment, and highlighting the danger that violent right-wing groups represent. Like the other federal NDP MPs, Angus voted in support of motion M-103 in Parliament.
Overall, Angus is a decent politician who has been outspoken on many progressive issues, including many Middle East issues. At the same time, he occasionally seems reluctant to expend political capital on some of the core justice issues which CJPME tracks. As such, CJPME considers his candidacy a B.
Niki Ashton
Profile – Niki Ashton
Niki Ashton has been the Member of Parliament for the riding of Churchill—Keewatinook Aski in Manitoba since 2008, announcing her leadership bid in March 2017. Prior to her election, she worked as a university instructor in Manitoba, and is presently completing her PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies. Ashton has served as the NDP Critic for many different departments, including Jobs, Employment & Workforce Development (2015–2017), Status of Women (2012–2015) and Aboriginal Affairs (2015).
Niki Ashton portrays herself as the NDP candidate for the young, marginalized and ethnic Canadians facing discrimination. She believes the NDP must work to reconnect with activists and grassroots social movements.
Ashton's platform is focused around the need for social justice, environmental justice, and economic justice. As such, in her platform Ashton recommends greater investment in healthcare, mental health services and dental care rather than defence. In addition, she advocates greater investment in green technologies, including public transit and green infrastructure renovations. She proposes to create wealth and counter seasonal work by investing in local economies and natural resources.
Analysis – Niki Ashton
For years, Niki Ashton has consistently taken forthright stances on Middle East issues promoting policies that support human rights and with international law. In addition to her various statements on record over many years, all of Ashton’s CJPME-IJV questionnaire answers indicate a strong commitment to international law, multilateralism, and the upholding of human rights.
Ashton speaks unhesitantly when referring to Israeli human rights abuses against Palestinians. She speaks openly about the need to end "the occupation of Palestinian lands" and "an end to the abuse of Palestinians' human rights." On her own, Ashton has called for an end to the blockade of Gaza, and the respect of the human rights of Palestinian prisoners. In the Montreal youth leadership debates, Ashton decried the dismissal of pro-Palestinian candidates in the party, a practice that occurred prior to the 2015 election.
Ashton's public comments on Israel-Palestine are bolstered in her response to the CJPME-IJV questionnaire. In the questionnaire, for example, Ashton takes a very tough stance on what she herself refers to as Israel's "illegal settlements," and points out herself that UN Security Council resolution 2334 (Dec. 2016) called for a distinction between products from Israel proper, and products from Israel's settlements. Going further, Ashton would support an outright ban on goods from Israeli settlements, because doing business with them is "illegal under international law." She also expresses openness to sanctions on Israel as it "consistently fails to meet international law," particularly in relation to "the occupation" of Palestinian land, to "put strategic pressure on the Israeli government." As per the questionnaire, Ashton also opposes Canada's voting pattern on the conflict at the UN – a pattern in which successive Canadian governments have sought to deflect criticism of Israel for its human rights abuses.
Ashton is supportive of the BDS movement, and believes the government should take steps to support BDS. In her CJPME-IJV questionnaire answer, she points out that similar tactics worked against the Apartheid regime in South Africa, and that BDS could help bring about a just resolution of the conflict. Like the other federal NDP leadership candidates, Ashton voted against the anti-BDS motion of February, 2016.
On other topics, Ashton is a fervent supporter of stronger international controls on the arms trade. She has taken the Trudeau government to task on the Saudi arms deal, and supports full accession to the international Arms Trade Treaty. Whether on Israel-Palestine, or other countries, Ashton has been consistent in her campaign that human rights need to play in integral role in Canada's foreign policy.
Like all the NDP leadership candidates, she opposes the rising tide of Islamophobia in Canada. To a question on Islamophobia, Ashton stated, "We have to call out hate, and we have to be on the front line of that struggle." She adds, "We also need to push forward in terms of addressing the structural barriers that many face in our society." Like the other federal NDP MPs, Ashton voted in support of motion M-103 in Parliament.
Because Ashton has been consistently outspoken for years in support of many of the core issues tracked by CJPME, CJPME considers her candidacy an A+.
Guy Caron
Profile – Guy Caron
Guy Caron has been the Member of Parliament for the Quebec riding of Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques since 2011, announcing his leadership bid in February 2017. Prior to his election, Caron worked as a researcher, economist, media relations officer and a journalist. Caron has served as NDP Finance Critic (2015–2017), Quebec Caucus Chair (2011–2017), and NDP Critic for Industry (2011–2012).
With academic training in both Communications and Economics, Caron promotes an agenda based on sustainable development and strategic international trade deals. Caron’s most significant policy proposal would be a complementary basic income, a progressive tax code that promotes productivity and a plan to counter tax evasion. As a progressive economist, he recommends transitioning to a renewable-based economy in order to secure the job market, while fighting inequality and instability.
Analysis – Guy Caron
In his leadership campaign, as in his parliamentary career, Guy Caron has sought foremost to present himself as a candidate with strong economic credentials. Nevertheless, while he has not sought to distinguish himself on foreign policy, his answers to the questions on the CJPME-IJV questionnaire reflect a commitment to balanced, principled policies on the Middle East.
Given his focus on economics, one might expect Caron to give commercial concerns priority over social concerns. Caron's public statements and CJPME-IJV questionnaire responses, however, demonstrated a strong commitment to human rights: he is willing to modulate commercial relationships with Middle East dictatorships as a function of human rights. He is also willing to improve transparency in the Canada-U.S. arms market in order to fully accede to the international Arms Trade Treaty. In fact, in 2012, he pushed the Harper government to sign the ATT, and in March of this year he again emphasized the need to factor human rights into trade deals.
Caron has not said much publicly about the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, on the CJPME-IJV questionnaire, Caron rejects Canada's pro-Israel bias at the UN. He is also clearly uncomfortable with Israel's settlements in the Palestinian territories. His questionnaire responses indicate that he does not support an outright ban on goods originating in Israel's settlements, although he might consider adjustments to labelling and/or the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. He is also not committed to general sanctions against Israel for its human rights abuses, although he might consider certain targeted sanctions.
On the question of BDS, Caron strongly supports Canadians' right to express their political views, whether through boycotting or other peaceful means. On this point, he said, "I'm proud to have voted against a Conservative motion that sought to condemn the BDS movement." However, Caron goes on to say that he's not sure BDS is a "constructive" way to address the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Caron has been very inclusive in his approach to the issue of Islamophobia. He recently criticized comments by Quebec premier Philippe Couillard which linked “Islam in general” to terror. Caron upbraided Couillard for these comments he considered "irresponsible." Like the other federal NDP MPs, Caron voted in support of motion M-103 in Parliament.
Caron has taken decent positions on many of the core issues tracked by CJPME. For a candidate highly focused on economic issues, Caron is refreshingly progressive. Overall, CJPME considers his candidacy a B+.
Jagmeet Singh
Profile – Jagmeet Singh
Jagmeet Singh has been the Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament for Bramalea—Gore—Malton since 2011, announcing his candidacy for leadership of the federal NDP in May 2017. Singh was appointed Deputy Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party in 2015 and has served as the NDP Critic for the Attorney General of Ontario and for Consumer Services.
Prior to his election to the Ontario Parliament, Singh worked as a criminal defence lawyer. He offered pro bono services to ensure the protection of Charter rights and to fight against increasing levels of poverty and rising tuition fees. Since his election, Singh has called on the provincial government to strengthen police accountability and reduce auto insurance premiums.
As his first policy platform, Singh would review Canada’s labour laws in order to address inequality, income security and taxation. He would also like to introduce policies that seek to ensure the fair treatment of indigenous communities, workers, families, disabled persons, and seniors. Finally, Singh has proposed environmental policies that would reduce Canada’s carbon emissions and implement environmental accountability measures.
Analysis – Jagmeet Singh
Jagmeet Singh’s public statements and responses to the CJPME-IJV questionnaire reflect a solid commitment to human rights, international law and related concerns. While international issues are less prominent in the Ontario legislature where Singh is an MPP, he has nonetheless spoken out on a number of issues.
As revealed in the CJPME-IJV questionnaire, Singh takes firm pro-justice stances on many of the issues: he supports giving human rights high importance in Canada's international dealings with Middle Eastern governments. He also opposes the pro-Israel voting pattern established at the UN by successive Liberal and Conservative governments. He also supports Canada’s full accession to the international Arms Trade Treaty, even if it would require Canada to tweak the reporting on its arms trade with the U.S.
On the question of Israel-Palestine, Singh's responses to the CJPME-IJV questionnaire demonstrate that he takes a highly critical view of Israel's human rights abuses, particularly Israel's settlements. Singh is willing to support "mandatory labelling of products" from Israeli settlements, and would exclude such products from the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA.) He is even willing to consider an outright ban on products from Israel's settlements. He also states that he "would consider" the use of targeted sanctions against Israel overall in response to its human rights abuses.
Singh strongly opposed a motion in the Ontario legislature which called for the House to "stand firmly" against the BDS movement. In his speech, Singh mentioned the "serious concerns with respect to the human rights violations endured by the Palestinian people," but based his arguments on the question of freedom of expression.
During his tenure in the Ontario Legislature, Singh repeatedly raised concerns about growing Islamophobia in Ontario, as well as the rest of Canada. Singh supports identifying Islamophobia as a specific form of racism, and believes the government must work to eradicate fear and prejudice against the members of the Muslim community through educational campaigns. This attitude is reflected in his CJPME-IJV questionnaire response, where he agrees that Islamophobia is a huge threat in Canada right now, and that special attention must be devoted to ensure the protection of the rights of Muslim-Canadians.
Singh has taken solid positions on many of the core issues tracked by CJPME, although he doesn't always address the human rights issues head on, and his track record is brief. As such, CJPME considers his candidacy an A-.
Comprehensive Assessment Ranking
Given the above analysis and discussion, CJPME's summary rating for each of the candidates is as follows:
A+ Niki Ashton
A- Jagmeet Singh
B+ Guy Caron
B Charlie Angus
Additional findings about the candidates, via their statements, interviews, speeches, and related can be found in the section below. The detailed responses from each of the candidates to the CJPME-IJV questionnaire can be found at the end of this document.
Candidates' Public Statements on Core Issues
The below section documents relevant statements from the public record by each of the NDP leadership candidates. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Charlie Angus
- During the Israeli assault on Gaza in 2014, he wrote on Twitter, “Our thuggish prime minister pumps his chest while people die in Gaza. He may think there are votes to be had by cheering on Netanyahu from the sidelines, but leadership is about trying to find ways to lessen the conflict.”[1]
- On Canada’s arms exports: “I did not hear a single word about what the government will do to ensure we are not just selling weapons to countries that rape and kill their citizens…it is the role of Parliament to ensure we stand up for something once in a while and ensure that when we sell weapons to countries, they are indeed allies that are sharing our values and not just murdering, raping and torturing their own citizens.”[2] He seeks to develop a committee charged with overseeing the sale of arms to prevent violations of international standards of human rights.
- On the Saudi Arms deal: “Saudi Arabia, which is completely destabilized in the region, in terms of creating a conflict, the Sunni-Shiite proxy wars in Yemen, in northern Iraq. Canada is sending billions of dollars in military aid to Saudi Arabia that is already being used on the ground. Our weapons are being used in the Yemeni war, on both sides. The Saudi human rights record is horrific.”[3] Again in relation to Saudi Arabia, he stated, “If we cannot deal with terror regimes like that, which are killing people now, then all of these other issues that we talk about mean nothing.”[4]
- During the February 2016 BDS debate, Mr. Angus made several comments. Here are a few examples: 1) “I do not know if this [BDS] is a tactic I approve of…” 2) “What is very disturbing is that the Liberals and Conservatives agree that as parliamentarians we should denounce students, intervene in universities, and attack individuals over an issue about the Middle East, as opposed to discussing where we need to be on the Middle East…” 3) "If we are not willing to stand up for the right to dissent, the right to protest, the right to engage in discussion about what is good policy in another country, then the House is a much shabbier place as a result of these really distasteful wedge issues.”[5] Angus voted against the motion to condemn BDS activists.[6]
- Issued a strong statement in response to Canada’s silence regarding Israeli settlement expansion by tweeting on December 29th, 2016: “Move by Netanyahu regime to take Palestinian land for illegal settlements must be opposed. Canada has role to play in pushing for justice.”[7]
- He believes that Canada has a role to play in trying to broker negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian authority. He has asked, “what steps should we take in this Parliament to talk about bringing peace for our friends in Israel, to ensure secure borders, to ensure the two-state solution for dealing with the tragedy of Gaza, and to ensure the importance of Canada on the international stage, which has been abdicated by the Conservatives and squandered by the Liberals?”[8]
- On Islamophobia, Angus expressed outrage to the "politics of hate" used by the Harper government to demonize Muslim Canadians: "Among Canada's media pundits I read all manner of "analysis" of Harper's strategy of demonizing Muslim Canadian women. They write with a superficial disconnect as if this were about scoring points and the election is a game. Meanwhile my volunteers are talking with people who tell us: "the refugees aren't human -- they are fucking animals who can go back to where they fucking came from." "This election is far from done but I have seen face of Canada that will take some time to come to terms with. The ease with which Harper used the politics of hate to change the channel on his political problems is a life lesson worth taking to heart."[9]
- Supports international law and policies of non-intervention, with the exception of military missions that are mandated and supported by the UN or NATO: "On ISIL and intervention in the Middle East: "I would like to say that what concerns me here is that we have, once again, a reactive policy about a region that is the most explosive in the world. This has been the unfortunate response over the last dozen or so years of not having a proactive, clear direction. It has put our soldiers in harm's way and it has added to the destabilization of an already crisis-ridden region... we are not there [in Iraq] under a UN mandate."[10]
- She believes her party “must be a voice for human rights.”[11]
- Decried the NDP’s purge of pro-Palestinian candidates in the 2015 federal election campaign, calling these actions “totally unacceptable”[12]: “I was disappointed to see candidates turfed last election on their position on Human Rights and Palestine, we need to recognise Trudeau's government plays with nominations.”[13]
- In reference to the Saudi arms deal she says: “It is not feminist[14] to sell arms to countries that have appalling human rights records, to states that regularly abuse the rights of women. It is not feminist to sell arms to countries that execute people because they are gay or members of the LGBTQ community. Many women and men across Canada want to see the government live up to the values it espouses.”[15]
- She has repeatedly called on the government to improve its arms control mechanisms and refrain from engaging in business deals with regimes that commit human rights abuses: “Polls show that most Canadians disapprove of arms deals with human rights abusers. Now it is true that the deal with Saudi Arabia was signed under the previous government. However, we know that the current government has not changed that approach. So much for the slogan of real change.”[16]
- Ashton has called for an end to the Israeli blockade on Gaza: "Today marks three years since the beginning of Operation Protective Edge, the 50-day Israeli military offensive on Gaza. Gazans are facing a crisis that has left them without electricity for weeks on end. This is regrettably only an episode of the dwindling humanitarian situation in Gaza that has been going on for a decade. For it to be truly resolved, Israel's illegal blockade must end." [18]
Niki Ashton
- On Canada’s role on the international stage and negotiations between Israel and Palestine: “I would say Canada has to be a voice for peace and justice around the world. This includes being a voice for peace and for diplomacy in Palestine. We have to be clear that the occupation of Palestinian lands must end. And we have to put an end to the abuse of Palestinians’ human rights. As the NDP, we have to be a strong voice for justice for the Palestinian people.”[19] “Canada must return to its traditional role, supporting a balanced position and a just peace in the Middle East.”[20]
- During the hunger strike of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails in the spring of 2017, Ashton spoke out in support of the human rights of such prisoners: "It [is] also powerful to join many at a rally in solidarity with those on hunger strike in Palestine today. The NDP must be a voice for human rights, for peace and justice in the Middle East."[21] She also states, " Many, including the Canadian Labour Congress and Amnesty International, have shown their support for the hunger strikers who are opposing inhumane conditions. As someone who is completing a PhD in Peace and Conflict studies it is clear to me that one must speak out in the face of injustice, whether here at home or abroad." [22]
- Was present and spoke in support of Nakba demonstration in Montreal on May 16th, 2017 to recognize the dispossession of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their lands and homes in 1948 (known to Palestinians in Arabic as the Nakba).[23]
- In an April 2017 interview, she put forth her support for justice in Palestine: “Canada has to be a voice for peace and justice around the world. This includes being a voice for peace and for diplomacy in Palestine. We have to be clear that the occupation of Palestinian lands must end. And we have to put an end to the abuse of Palestinians’ human rights. As the NDP, we have to be a strong voice for justice for the Palestinian people.”[24] Similarly: “Martin Luther King talked about the need for people to fight for justice and I was thinking about that in recent weeks where I was talking about the injustice to the Palestinian people.”[25]
Guy Caron
- Travelled to Israel on a CIJA-sponsored trip in 2012.[26] CIJA is a powerful Canadian pro-Israel lobby group.
- Advocates the inclusion of international standards of human rights into trade agreements.[27]
- In 2012, Caron signed on to a letter with other MPs calling on Stephen Harper to sign the Arms Trade Treaty.[28]
- Caron voted in favour of anti-Islamophobia motion M-103. He made a point to differentiate Islam from terrorism in his admonishment of Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard for “irresponsible” comments suggesting otherwise.”[29]
- Concerning the recognition of ISIS’ crimes as genocide: “If we take the declaration of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948, we see that genocides are acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. I think that for most people, this meets the definition. Therefore, can we not go along with this motion by giving the government direction to act in accordance with the perspective of the United Nations for recognizing this crime as a genocide and to take action accordingly in the United Nations?”[30]
- During an interview, in answer to a question on BDS, Caron stated, "I’m proud to have voted against a Conservative motion that sought to condemn the BDS movement. I’m just not sure, in my eyes, that BDS is the most constructive way to try and intervene in what’s happening in the Middle East. I’ve been to Israel. I’ve also been to the West Bank, where I had a chance to speak to Israelis and to Palestinians, and I see a link with what has happened in Canada." [31]
- On the growth of Israeli settlements, Caron stated in an interview, "There are progressive Israelis who want to work towards the same goals that we want as a progressive, social democratic party. For example, ending the colonization of the occupied territories and working towards a two-state solution."[32]
Jagmeet Singh
- Singh travelled to Israel in January, 2017 (along with 7 other Ontario MPPs) hosted by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), a powerful Canadian pro-Israel lobby group.[33]
- Singh has repeatedly addressed the need to tackle Islamophobia in Canada: “We need to identify Islamophobia as a specific form of racism. It’s a form of racism which has specifically targeted a community, and that has been very hurtful. Naming an injustice is the way you address the injustice. The fact that there is a clear attack on a particular community, a broad-stroke attack on a religion, is hurtful to our society in a holistic sense, in a general sense, and it’s also very painfully damaging to that specific community.”[34]
- Singh voted against[35] the Ontario Legislature’s motion to condemn BDS activists, reaffirming the rights of Canadians to oppose the human rights violations endured by the Palestinian people. During the debate he argued, “in a free and democratic society, peaceful advocacy directed toward a government or its policies must never be silenced.”[36]
- Singh is on record making a distinction between criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism, stating in the Ontario legislature, “We can’t be distracted by conflating the criticism of a government’s policies, of a government itself, and the criticism of a people, of a religion, of a faith, of an ethnicity.” "We must similarly separate the criticism of the government of Israel or its policies from criticism of its people. That distinction must be made. That should never be conflated. A criticism of a country or its policies, particularly its government, should never mean it’s a criticism of the people of that country or the ethnicity or the religion of that country."[37]
- In the same speech, Singh is also on record as highlighting the human rights abuses suffered by the Palestinians, "There are serious concerns with respect to the human rights violations endured by the Palestinian people. We must support the freedom to raise these concerns. People have that right, and we should support people’s right to do that." [38]
- Again, in the same speech, concerning BDS, Singh argues, “In a free and democratic society, peaceful advocacy directed toward a government or its policies must never be silenced.” "We cannot support [an anti-BDS] motion which, in effect, seeks to ban the right to dissent. That is one of the most fundamental rights of any society: the ability to raise your voice in opposition, your ability to criticize, your ability to have dissent. The right to criticize, the right to raise awareness, the right to advocate for a marginalized people is something that we must protect."[39]
Leadership candidates’ responses to CJPME-IJV Questionnaire
The section below presents each of the CJPME-IJV questions, followed by a consolidated view of the answers of each of the four leadership candidates. For the full questionnaire document and other assessment details, see http://cjpme.org/ndp_2017.
1. Attitudes Toward Human Rights and Dictatorships in the Middle East
Introduction to the question: The Middle East has a long and unfortunate history of dictatorial and despotic leaders. Nevertheless, for many years, Canada was happy to “do business” with such leaders (e.g. Egypt’s Mubarak, Libya’s Gaddafi) despite serious human rights violations in those countries.[40] This trend continues today. As one example, Canada maintains free trade agreements with Middle East dictatorships, including Bahrain (2010), Jordan (2009), Kuwait (2014), Egypt (1997), and is currently in discussions with the United Arab Emirates. [41] Worse, neither the Harper nor the Trudeau government modulated a $15 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia despite that country’s egregious human rights record.
Fortunately, there have been occasions when Canada has used sanctions and commercial enticements to demand improvements in the human rights records (e.g. China, Iran, etc.), but these efforts are often inconsistent or tainted by politics.[42] [43]
As a leader of the NDP, on a scale from 1 to 5 below, how strongly would you support linking Canada’s commercial and diplomatic relations with the Middle East to the human rights record of the governments in question? (If completing the form electronically, simply bold and underline the appropriate numeral.)
Question: How strongly would you support linking Canada’s commercial and diplomatic relations with the Middle East to the human rights record of the governments in question? |
Angus |
Ashton |
Caron |
Singh |
Comments from leadership candidates (in alphabetical order) |
1 = I would avoid linking commercial and diplomatic relations with a Middle East government to its human rights record 5 = I support giving human rights high importance when making commercial or diplomatic deals with Middle East governments. |
- |
5 |
5 |
- |
Angus (did not choose a number): "While it is critical not to reward regimes with atrocious human rights records with military and economic support, it is also important to remember that citizens are not their governments, and that any diplomatic or commercial restrictions need to consider human welfare." Ashton: (no additional comments) Caron: (no additional comments) Singh (did not choose a number): "I support giving human rights high importance when making commercial or diplomatic deals with Middle East governments."
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2. Views on Addressing the Problem of Islamophobia in Canada
Introduction to the question: There has been a marked rise in Islamophobia in Canada since 2012, likely as a result of disquieting international events associated with ISIS. [44] While a Parliamentary motion condemning Islamophobia passed unanimously in October 2016, [45] the issue became highly polarized and divisive early in 2017 with the anti-Islamophobia motion M-103 introduced by MP Iqra Khalid. [46]
Many Canadians understand Islamophobia as a form of discrimination against Muslims in the same way that they understand homophobia as a form of discrimination against homosexuals. However, many Canadians – including certain political leaders – took issue with the concept when M-103 was introduced. The CBC summarized these objections, saying:
Some critics of the motion worry it could infringe on free speech and the charter right to freedom of expression, because criticism of Islam could be construed as Islamophobia. Some have even raised the fear that the parliamentary study could ultimately lead to legislative changes, including Shariah blasphemy laws. Others object to Islam being singled out as a religion in need of special protection. [47]
For many Canadians, M-103 made sense in light of the rise in Islamophobia in Canada, and in light of the terrorist attack by a gunman in a Quebec City mosque on January 29, 2017 which left 6 Muslim-Canadians dead. While NDP MPs supported all Parliamentary motions addressing Islamophobia, there are sure to be continuing debates about the severity of the problem in Canada, and how exactly to address it.
As a leader of the NDP, on a scale from 1 to 5 below, to what degree would you believe Islamophobia requires special attention at this time in Canada? (If completing the form electronically, simply bold and underline the appropriate numeral.)
Question: To what degree would you believe Islamophobia requires special attention at this time in Canada? |
Angus |
Ashton |
Caron |
Singh |
Comments from leadership candidates (in alphabetical order) |
1 = I don’t think its necessary to “single out” Islamophobia as a specific discrimination. I believe Muslim-Canadians and their rights are sufficiently protected under existing laws. 5 = I believe Islamophobia is a huge threat in Canada and that special attention is required to ensure the protection of the rights of Muslim-Canadians |
- |
5 |
5 |
- |
Angus (did not choose a number): "Anti-Muslim sentiment is becoming increasingly worrying, with right-wing groups gaining in public visibility and organization. Special attention should be taken in monitoring and investigating violent anti-Muslim groups." Ashton: (no additional comments) Caron: (no additional comments) Singh (did not choose a number): "I believe Islamophobia is a huge threat in Canada and that special attention is required to ensure the protection of the rights of Muslim-Canadians."
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3. Views on Canada’s Accession to the Arms Trade Treaty
Introduction to the question: There is no doubt that the easy availability of weapons in the international arms trade fuels conflict in the Middle East. Several of the biggest arms importers in the world are Middle Eastern countries, including #2 Saudi Arabia (which accounts for 7 percent of all arms purchases), and #4 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (accounting for 4.6 percent of the world’s arms purchases.) [48] As recently seen in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Libya and other Middle East theatres of war, arms are repeatedly turned against civilians, and often result in war crimes.
The International Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) would oblige arms exporters to carefully control the delivery of arms, maintain export prohibitions, carry out export risk assessments, and provide documentary proof of their implementation of the treaty. Under the ATT, arms exports would be prohibited to countries which either violate UN Charter or Security Council obligations, or risk being used to commit a war crime. The UN ATT body recommends model legislation for countries interested in acceding to the ATT. [49]
The Trudeau government recently tabled bill C-47 to accede to the ATT, but it contains two major flaws. First, the control and reporting mechanisms proposed in C-47 exclude arms exports to the US. This is because under the Canada-US Defence Production Sharing Program (DPSA), trade relating to arms sales between the two countries is not publicly disclosed. Given that over half of Canada’s arms exports flow to the US – often as component parts of larger systems produced by the US – this is a significant loophole.
The second flaw with C-47 is its deferment of the details of the export permit approval process by Foreign Affairs until after Royal Assent. Such an approach to C-47 violates the basic rules of Parliamentary lawmaking, and enables the government to circumvent Parliamentary and public scrutiny on a key mechanism of Canada’s implementation of the ATT. [50]
As a leader of the NDP, on a scale from 1 to 5 below, please indicate how closely you believe Canada should adhere to the proposed mechanisms set forth in the International Arms Trade Treaty (If completing the form electronically, simply bold and underline the appropriate numeral.)
Question: Please indicate how closely you believe Canada should adhere to the proposed mechanisms set forth in the International Arms Trade Treaty? |
Angus |
Ashton |
Caron |
Singh |
Comments from leadership candidates (in alphabetical order) |
1 = I believe that Canada needs to take its own approach to accession to the ATT, giving foremost priority to Canada’s diplomatic and commercial concerns 5 = I believe that Canada should accede to the ATT heeding closely to the treaty’s principles, even if it means adapting existing diplomatic and commercial relationships
|
- |
5 |
5 |
- |
Angus (did not choose a number): "Given the role of Canadian weapons in aggravating Middle Eastern conflicts, I believe that our exports deserve the utmost scrutiny." Ashton: (no additional comments) Caron: (no additional comments) Singh (did not choose a number): "I believe that Canada should accede to the ATT heeding closely to the treaty’s principles, even if it means adapting existing diplomatic and commercial relationships"
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4. Views on Canada’s Voting at the UN vis-à-vis the Middle East
Introduction to the question: Since 2004, Canada’s votes on key UN General Assembly resolutions relating to the Middle East have shifted significantly. For example:
- On the recurring resolution condemning “Israel’s decision to effectively annex the Syrian Arab Golan,” Canada’s vote went from Yes (2004), to abstain (starting in 2011.)
- On the recurring resolution supporting “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the OccupiedPalestinianTerritory”, Canada’s vote shifted from Yes (2004), to abstain, to No (starting in 2007).
- On the recurring resolution supporting “The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination,” Canada’s vote shift from Yes (2004), to abstain, to No (starting in 2011)
Similar voting shifts demonstrating diplomatic support of Israeli government interests occurred with most of the other of the 20 or so resolutions on the Middle East passed each Fall.
In the two years since the Trudeau government has controlled these votes, there has been no change in Canada’s voting patterns as compared to Harper’s final year.
As a leader of the NDP, please select your position, from 1 to 5 below, on whether you would acquiesce to this voting of the Trudeau government at the UN, or whether you would oppose it? (If completing the form electronically, simply bold and underline the appropriate numeral.)
Question: Please select your position, from 1 to 5, on whether you would acquiesce to this voting of the Trudeau government at the UN, or whether you would oppose it. |
Angus |
Ashton |
Caron |
Singh |
Comments from leadership candidates (in alphabetical order) |
1 = Would publicly support Canada’s present voting patterns on Middle East issues at the UN 3 = Don’t feel strongly either way about shift in Canada’s votes on Middle East at UN 5 = Would publicly oppose Canada’s present voting patterns on Middle East issues at the UN |
- |
5 |
5 |
- |
Angus (did not choose a number): "I would oppose Justin Trudeau’s voting pattern at the UN, and would support resolutions that further the peace process in Israel and Palestine and recognize the right of the Palestinian people to the occupied territories." Ashton: (no additional comments) Caron: (no additional comments) Singh (did not choose a number): "I would publicly oppose Canada’s present voting patterns on Middle East issues at the UN."
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5. Views on Free Speech and Legislative Motions on BDS
Introduction to the question: On Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, Canada’s Parliament passed a motion asking the government to condemn groups and individuals who promote the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in Canada. Sadly, in the “debate” preceding the vote, no mention was made of the actual stated objectives of the movement. While such motions are largely symbolic, they nevertheless could have important repercussions for free speech in Canada. Some fear a “chilling effect” on the Canada’s domestic dialog on matters relating to Israel-Palestine.
The BDS movement seeks:
- An end to Israel’s occupation and colonization of all Palestinian land [51]
- The dismantling of Israel’s Wall [52]
- Full equality for Palestinian citizens of Israel; and
- Respect for the rights of Palestinian refugees [53]
The demands of the BDS movement align with international law and long-standing UN resolutions. As such:
- BDS is a democratic and non-violent means of protest and pressure,
- BDS is neither “anti-Israel” nor “anti-Semitic” as it is grounded in principles of international law,
- BDS is appropriate, as it is in response to a call from Palestinian civil society
BDS actions include boycotts (e.g. consumer boycotts, academic/cultural and sports boycotts), divestments (e.g. from pension and endowment portfolios), and sanctions, (i.e. calls for governments to end economic or military cooperation or ties with Israel). The BDS movement is slated to end when Israel’s violations of human rights end.
As a leader of the NDP, please select your position, from 1 to 5 below, on what position you would take vis-à-vis Canada and the international BDS movement. (If completing the form electronically, simply bold and underline the appropriate numeral.)
Question: Please select your position, from 1 to 5 below, on what position you would take vis-à-vis Canada and the international BDS movement. |
Angus |
Ashton |
Caron |
Singh |
Comments from leadership candidates (in alphabetical order) |
1 = I would support future Parliamentary motions that condemn BDS and its supporters 3 = While I stand opposed to motions that condemn BDS, I don’t believe the Canadian government should take actions in support of BDS 5 = I believe the gov’t should take steps to support BDS, whether via trade or other sanctions
|
- |
5 |
4 |
- |
Angus (did not choose a number): "I stand opposed, and have publicly stood opposed in the House in the past, to any legislative condemnations of BDS because I believe that such a thing is wholly inappropriate for a peaceful civil society movement in a free, democratic society." Ashton: "I support the important work of civil society in pursuing justice through non-violent means, including calls for boycotts and divestment. Similar tactics were used effectively against apartheid South Africa in the 1980s, and BDS today can play a constructive role by encouraging a just resolution. It is the role of governments to respond to pressure from civil society and to be a force for positive change. In 1986, Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney responded to social movements by implementing sanctions against South Africa, and we face a similar ethical and moral responsibility to listen to those who are struggling for peace and justice." Caron: (no additional comments) Singh (did not choose a number): "In 2016 I was the only Member of Provincial Parliament to stand up in the legislature at Queens Park to speak out against the PC motion condemning BDS campaigns and I voted against the PC motion. To conflate the criticisms of a government policy with hate speech is a distraction from the real problem of anti-Semitism. Dissent, protest, and freedom of speech are a fundamental part of democracy. I am open to considering the use of sanctions in response to human rights violations."
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6. Views on sanctioning Israel’s colonies (i.e. “settlements”)
Introduction to the question: In the 2016 NDP policy book, the party writes: “Within a framework for United Nations resolutions and international law, Canada will work towards a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live in secure, viable and independent states within negotiated, agreed-upon borders.”[54]
The latest United Nations Security Council Resolution on this issue, 2334, states that Israel’s colonies constitute “a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.” It calls upon call states to “distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967.”[55]
Currently, Canada does not distinguish between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967 regarding the entrance of goods from these territories into Canada. While our allies in Europe have long had established labelling regimes to ensure that products originating from Israel’s colonies be labelled accurately, no such guidelines exist in Canada. In fact, through the Canada Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA), Canada allows such goods to enter into Canada tariff-free.
As leader of the NDP, on a scale of from 1 to 5 below, would you favour action on this issue, such as the mandatory labelling of such products, or banning the entry of such products into Canada, as is the policy of the Green Party of Canada?[56] (If completing the form electronically, simply bold and underline the appropriate numeral.)
Question: Would you favour action on this issue, such as the mandatory labelling of such products, or banning the entry of such products into Canada, as is the policy of the Green Party of Canada? |
Angus |
Ashton |
Caron |
Singh |
Comments from leadership candidates (in alphabetical order) |
1 = I do not support taking any action directed against Israel’s colonies. 3 = I would support mandatory labelling of products originating from Israel’s colonies, and excluding these products from the benefits of CIFTA. 5 = I would support an outright ban on goods originating from Israel’s colonies into Canada.
|
- |
5 |
4 |
- |
Angus (did not choose a number): "Settlements in the occupied territories are among the biggest obstacles to lasting peace. I would consider labelling practices currently used in European Union member countries for goods coming from settlements in the occupied territories." Ashton: "It is our international obligation to distinguish between Israel and its illegal settlements, as per UNSC resolution 2334. I am in favour of a ban on goods from Israel settlements, as continuing business with these entities is illegal under international law. I would implement a labelling regime to identify the actual point of origin of goods coming from the region, and put a ban on all products that are from illegal settlements." Caron: (no additional comments) Singh (did not choose a number): "I would support mandatory labelling of products originating from Israel’s colonies, and excluding these products from the benefits of CIFTA. I am also open to considering a ban." |
7. Views on Facilitating an end to the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Introduction to the question: For over two decades, the NDP has been stating in its election platform that the party supports the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state with negotiated, agreed-upon borders, and an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian land.
Meanwhile, Israel has continued to colonize increasingly more land within the OccupiedPalestinianTerritory. Israel’s government has moved significantly further to the Right, and it appears very unlikely that Israel—the occupying power—would willingly allow for the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state to come into existence. [57]
A January 2017 EKOS poll found that 66% of Canadians and 84% of NDP supporters agree that sanctions on Israel are reasonable.[58]
Given the decades-long stalemate, and the day-to-day reality of millions of Palestinians living under a seemingly permanent regime of military rule, as NDP leader, would you support the use of targeted sanctions against Israel – e.g. such as military embargo – in order to pressure Israel into ending its military occupation of Palestinian land, and to negotiate in good faith towards the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state? (If completing the form electronically, simply bold and underline the appropriate numeral.)
Question: Would you support the use of targeted sanctions against Israel – e.g. such as military embargo – in order to pressure Israel into ending its military occupation of Palestinian land, and to negotiate in good faith towards the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state? |
Angus |
Ashton |
Caron |
Singh |
Comments from leadership candidates (in alphabetical order) |
1 = I do not support the use of any targeted sanctions against Israel 3 = I would consider supporting the use of targeting sanctions against Israel 5 = I would support the use of targeted sanctions against Israel
|
- |
4 |
4 |
- |
Angus (did not choose a number): "I believe that sanctions almost inevitably serve to harden the resolve of targeted countries and regimes and to allow governments an easy scapegoat for their own shortcomings. As such, I do not think that sanctions are appropriate and will not help reach a lasting peace." Ashton: "Like any other country, sanctions against Israel should be considered when it consistently fails to meet international law and obligations, particularly in relation to the occupation which has denied rights to the Palestinian people for half a century. I support looking into targeted sanctions to put strategic pressure on the Israeli government." Caron: (no additional comments) Singh (did not choose a number): "I would consider supporting the use of targeting sanctions against Israel" |
[1] “John Baird condemns Hamas rejection of ceasefire with Israel.” CBC. July 15, 2014. http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/john-baird-condemns-hamas-rejection-of-ceasefire-with-israel-1.2707646
[2] Angus, Charlie. “Opposition Motion – Creation of a Standing Committee on Arms Exports Review.” Legislative Debates (Hansard). 42nd Parl., 1st Sess. September 29, 2016. https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/house/sitting-84/hansard
[4] Angus, Charlie. “Opposition Motion – Cuba.” Legislative Debates (Hansard). 42nd Parl., 1st Sess. December 1, 2016. https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/house/sitting-119/hansard
[5] Angus, Charlie. “Opposition Motion – Israel.” Legislative Debates (Hansard). 42nd Parl., 1st Sess. February 18th, 2016. http://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/house/sitting-20/hansard
[6] Vote No. 14, “Opposition Motion – Israel.” Vote Details, 42nd Parl., 1st Sess. February 22nd, 2016. http://www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/votes/42/1/14/
[7] Charlie Angus NDP. “Move by Netanyahu regime to take Palestinian land for illegal settlements must be opposed. Canada has role to play in pushing for justice.” Twitter. February 9th, 2017. https://twitter.com/CharlieAngusNDP/status/829662209735278592
[8] Angus, Charlie. “Opposition Motion – Israel.” Legislative Debates (Hansard). 42nd Parl., 1st Sess. February 18th, 2016. http://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/house/sitting-20/hansard
[9] Facebook post, Charlie Angus, https://www.facebook.com/charlie.angusndp/posts/1481967438773223
[10] Angus, Charlie. “Government Business – Motion No. 17.” Legislative Debates (Hansard). 41st Parl., 2nd Sess. March 30th, 2015. Online. https://openparliament.ca/debates/2016/2/24/charlie-angus-1/?page=6
[11] “Ashton taken to task for Palestinian post.” Winnipeg Sun. May 19th, 2017. http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/05/19/ashton-taken-to-task-for-palestinian-post
[12] “Fightback Interviews Niki Ashton.” Fightback. June 28, 2017. http://www.marxist.ca/canada/federal/1230-fightback-interviews-niki-ashton.html
[13] NDP Debate: Montreal. March 26, 2017, 1:05:46, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2c_9HJ3WwY&feature=youtu.be&t=1h5m46s
[14] Note that Ashton is referring to the Trudeau government's declaration that it was going to implement a "feminist foreign policy." In the cited quote, Ashton is disputing that Trudeau's actions were in any way progressive or constructive.
[15] Ashton, Niki. “Opposition Motion - Creation of a Standing Committee on Arms Exports Review.” Legislative Debates (Hansard). September 29th, 2016. https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/house/sitting-84/hansard
[17] Vote No. 14, “Opposition Motion – Israel.” Vote Details, 42nd Parl., 1st Sess. February 22nd, 2016. http://www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/votes/42/1/14/
[19] “Interview: Niki Ashton on why the NDP need to reconnect with social movements.” Ricochet. April 13th, 2017. https://ricochet.media/en/1762/interview-niki-ashton-on-why-the-ndp-needs-to-reconnect-with-social-movements
[20] Niki Ashton, “A just peace in the Middle East.” Niki Ashton 2017. http://www.nikiashton2017.ca/a-just-peace-in-the-middle-east-une-paix-juste-au-moyen-orient
[21] Facebook post, Niki Ashton campaign Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/MPNikiAshton/posts/1461778860564017.
[22] "A Just Peace in the Midde East," Niki Ashton 2017 Campaign Website, http://www.nikiashton2017.ca/a-just-peace-in-the-middle-east-une-paix-juste-au-moyen-orient/.
[23] “Ashton taken to task for Palestinian post.” Winnipeg Sun. May 19th, 2017. http://www.winnipegsun.com/2017/05/19/ashton-taken-to-task-for-palestinian-post
[24] “Interview: Niki Ashton on why the NDP need to reconnect with social movements.” Ricochet. April 13th, 2017. https://ricochet.media/en/1762/interview-niki-ashton-on-why-the-ndp-needs-to-reconnect-with-social-movements
[25] NDP Debate: Sudbury. May 28, 2017, 36:53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6KueMDKikE
[26] "List of Sponsored Travel Presented to the House of Commons: 2012," Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Canada, March 2013, http://ciec-ccie.parl.gc.ca/Documents/English/Public%20Reports/Sponsored%20Travel/2012%20Sponsored%20Travel%20List.pdf
[27] “Guy Caron says he can bring economic cred to the NDP.” The Tyee. March 15th, 2017. https://thetyee.ca/News/2017/03/15/Guy-Caron-NDP/
[28] “Canada and the Arms Trade Treaty.” OXFAM. June 2012. https://www.oxfam.ca/sites/default/files/Control%20Arms%20Press%20Pack%20Eng.pdf
[29] “Guy Caron lashes out at Couillard over Islam comments.” iPolitics. June 23rd, 2017. http://ipolitics.ca/2017/06/23/guy-caron-lashes-out-at-couillard-over-islam-comments/
[30] Caron, Guy. “Opposition Motion – Internal Trade.” Legislative Debates (Hansard). 42nd Parl., 1st Sess. June 14th, 2016. http://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/house/sitting-72/hansard
[31] “Interview: Guy Caron on basic income and rebuilding the NDP in Quebec.” Ricochet. April 5th, 2017. https://ricochet.media/en/1752/interview-guy-caron-on-basic-income-and-rebuilding-the-ndp-in-quebec.
[32] “Interview: Guy Caron on basic income and rebuilding the NDP in Quebec.” Ricochet. April 5th, 2017. https://ricochet.media/en/1752/interview-guy-caron-on-basic-income-and-rebuilding-the-ndp-in-quebec.
[33] Kleinsteuber, Nicole, “MPP Smith Returns from Outreach Trip to Israel," QuinteNews Online, Jan. 17, 2017. http://www.quintenews.com/2017/01/mpp-smith-returns-outreach-trip-israel/137570/
[34] Jagmeet Singh. “Anti-Racism Act 2017.” Ontario Hansard. April 26, 2017. http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/house_detail.do?Date=2017-04-26&Parl=41&Sess=2&locale=en#P251_14069
[35] "Official Records for 1 December 2016: Votes and Proceedings: Private Members' Public Business" Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Dec. 1, 2016. http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/house_detail.do?locale=en&Date=2016-12-1&detailPage=/house-proceedings/votes-and-proceedings/files_html/038_December_01_2016_Votes.htm#tidyout
[36] Jagmeet Singh. “Support for Israel.” Ontario Hansard. December 1st, 2016. http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/house_detail.do?Date=2016-12-1&Parl=41&Sess=2&locale=en
[37] Jagmeet Singh. “Support for Israel.” Ontario Hansard. December 1st, 2016. http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/house_detail.do?Date=2016-12-1&Parl=41&Sess=2&locale=en
[38] Ibid. http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/house_detail.do?Date=2016-12-1&Parl=41&Sess=2&locale=en
[39] Ibid. http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/house_detail.do?Date=2016-12-1&Parl=41&Sess=2&locale=en
[40] "Senator Andreychuk to Lead Oil and Gas Trade Mission to Libya," Canada News Centre. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. October 27, 2008 No. A/59 . https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2008/10/senator-andreychuk-lead-oil-gas-trade-mission-libya.html. Accessed June 1, 2017
[41] "Free Trade Agreements of Canada," Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free-trade_agreements_of_Canada Accessed June 9, 2017.
[42] "Cda. won't appease China on human rights: Harper," CTV News (ctv.ca). November 15, 2006. http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/CTVNewsAt11/20061115/china_snub_061114/ Accessed January 19, 2012. However, more recently the Canadian government appears to be less committed to using trade to pressure on China to improve its human rights record; see "Stephen Harper travelling to China next month," CBC News. January 11, 2012. http://www.cbc.ca/m/rich/politics/story/2012/01/11/pol-harper-china-trip.html Accessed January 19, 2012
[43] "Canada Supports Intensified Restrictions on Iran - Backgrounder - Canada’s Response to Human Rights Situation in Iran," Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. July 8, 2011. http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2011/194.aspx?view=d Accessed January 19, 2012
[44] Li, Josephine, "Infographic: The rise in Islamophobia," Legal Aid Ontario. Mar. 21, 2017. http://blog.legalaid.on.ca/2017/03/21/infographic-the-rise-in-islamophobia/ Accessed Jun. 9, 2017
[45] Woodley, Thomas, "In Case You Missed It, Canada Passed An Anti-Islamophobia Motion," Huffington Post Canada. Nov. 2, 2016. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/thomas-woodley/canada-anti-islamophobia-law_b_12753924.html Accessed Jun. 9, 2017
[46] Harris, Kathleen, "5 things to know about the Commons motion on Islamophobia," CBC. Feb. 17, 2017. http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/iqra-khalid-islamophobia-motion-1.3987668 Accessed Jun. 9, 2017
[48] Sawe, Benjamin Elisha, "World's Largest Importers Of Military Arms," World Atlas, Mar. 15, 2017. http://www.worldatlas.com/articles/world-s-largest-importers-of-military-arms.html Accessed Jun. 9, 2017
[49] "The Arms Trade Treaty," United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. https://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/att/ Accessed Jun. 9, 2017
[50] "Key questions about Canada’s Arms Trade Treaty legislation," Rideau Institute Blog, May 9, 2017. http://www.rideauinstitute.ca/2017/05/09/key-questions-about-canadas-arms-trade-treaty-legislation/ Accessed Jun. 9, 2017
[51] UN Security Council resolution 242 of 1967 calls on Israel to withdraw from the territories it had recently occupied, in accordance with the UN Charter, and the Fourth Geneva Convention, Art. 49, prohibits the colonization of militarily occupied land.
[52] The International Court of Justice decision of 2004 called for the dismantling of Israel’s Wall.
[54] “NDP Policy,” NDP Edmonton 2016, Section 4: Redefining Canada’s Place in the World, p. 15 http://xfer.ndp.ca/2016/documents/2016_PolicyBook_EN_WEB.pdf, accessed June 14, 2017
[55] “Resolution 2334 (2016) Adopted by the Security Council at its 7853rd meeting, on 23 December 2016,” United Nations Security Council, Dec. 23, 2016, S/RES/2334 (2016), https://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/SRES2334-2016.pdf accessed June 14, 2017
[56] “Measures to pressure the government of Israel to preserve the two-state solution: addendum to current Middle East policy,” Green Party of Canada, https://www.greenparty.ca/en/sgm-2016/voting/resolutions/s16-p013 accessed June 14, 2017
[57] Ravid, Barak. “Netanyahu: If I'm Elected, There Will Be No Palestinian State”. Ha’aretz, Mar. 16, 2015, http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/elections/1.647212 Accessed June 9, 2017
[58] “2017 Survey: On Israel-Palestine, Canadian Gov’t is out of touch,” Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, http://cjpme.org/survey accessed June 14, 2017