Montreal, December 1, 2023 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) welcomes today’s historic introduction of official parliamentary petition e-4649, which calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and was sponsored by MP Alexandre Boulerice. With 286,700 signatures, it is the most popular e-petition in the history of Parliament. CJPME welcomes this petition as a symbol of Canadians’ unprecedented support for Palestinian rights and an end to Israel’s war. CJPME urges Prime Minister Trudeau to respect the overwhelming calls for a ceasefire, and ensure that the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas does not revert to a resumption of bloodshed.

“This is the largest parliamentary e-petition ever in Canada’s history, with a quarter of a million Canadians calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” said Thomas Woodley, President of CJPME. “It shows, that more than any other issue, Canadians are united in their opposition to the continued bloodshed in Gaza. It also shows clearly that Canadians expect their government to support human rights and international law in Palestine-Israel.  Trudeau’s refusal to call for a ceasefire is not only shameful, but also directly contrary to what Canadians desire.”

Petition e-4649 was initiated by Maëva Gaudrault from Montreal and sponsored by Alexandre Boulerice, MP for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie. The petition calls for Canada to demand an immediate ceasefire, a lifting of the blockade of Gaza, and for Canada to ensure that Israel follows international law. This petition comes on the heels of the November 25th March on Ottawa, which saw 100,000 demonstrators descend on Ottawa to call for a full ceasefire in Gaza.

“Given the outpouring of support for Gaza, Canadians must be beginning to wonder whether this government respects the democratic will of the people, or if it takes the rule of law seriously,” added Woodley. “Canadians have unequivocally demonstrated -- in polls, historic petitions, and unprecedented street protests – that we want our government to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Trudeau needs to show us that democracy still works and that he will actually hold Israel accountable to international law as demanded by Canadians.”

CJPME notes that Canada has opposed the use of any and all international legal mechanisms that could restrain Israel’s slaughter of civilians. Canada has opposed investigations into war crimes by the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, voted against most UNGA resolutions on Palestinian human rights, and abstained on an emergency UNGA resolution calling for a humanitarian truce. Canada has also refused to say whether it is reviewing its arms exports to Israel in light of the civilian toll. This is the opposite of the approach that Canada took in response to Russia’s war on Ukraine. In under two months, Israel’s war has reportedly killed “more than twice” as many women and children in Gaza than Russia has killed in Ukraine in two years.

About CJPME – Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is a non-profit and secular organization bringing together men and women of all backgrounds who labour to see justice and peace take root again in the Middle East. Its mission is to empower decision-makers to view all sides with fairness and to promote the equitable and sustainable development of the region.

For more information, please contact Michael Bueckert, 613-315-7947

Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East www.cjpme.org

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