Montreal, January 19, 2026 — In the wake of Prime Minister Carney’s announcement that Canada will join Trump’s illegitimate Board of Peace ruling occupied Gaza, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) will host an important virtual debate on Palestine with leadership candidates for the New Democratic Party (NDP) on Wednesday evening. The candidates will debate how Canada can truly advance Palestinian self-determination, hold Israel accountable for war crimes and genocide, and protect civil liberties at home.
Virtual Event: NDP Leadership Debate on Palestine
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 7PM – 8:30PM EST
Where: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ndp-leadership-debate-on-palestine-registration-1979999119667
Media Contacts*: Jason Toney, CJPME Director of Media Advocacy, [email protected]; Michael Bueckert, CJPME Vice President, [email protected].
*If you plan to attend, please email our media contacts in advance.
CJPME President Yara Shoufani will moderate the debate with the 2026 NDP leadership contestants. Additional participants may be added, but confirmed participants include:
- Tanille Johnston
- Avi Lewis
- Heather McPherson
- Tony McQuail
“We are excited to host prospective leaders of the NDP on Canada’s role in upholding human rights and opposing genocide,” said Yara Shoufani, President of CJPME. “Over the past several years, the NDP has grown increasingly responsive to the grassroots movement for Palestine, echoing calls for justice in Parliament and beyond. We look forward to hearing from candidates about how this progress would continue under their leadership.”
CJPME is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse or back any specific political party.
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, www.cjpme.org. The whole or parts of this press release can be reproduced without permission.