CJPME Regrets Canada’s Abstention on UN Vote on Gaza
June 14, 2018 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is disappointed by the Trudeau government’s decision to abstain on a UN General Assembly vote yesterday condemning Israel for its disproportionate violence against Palestinians in Gaza in recent weeks. The resolution text rightly deplored the “excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force by the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and particularly in the Gaza Strip,” and called attention to Israel’s use of live ammunition against civilian protesters, including children, medics and journalists.
Canada-Israel Trade Ties Under Criticism from Canadians
Montreal, May 29, 2018 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) calls for a review and revamp of Canada-Israel trade ties. Today, Israel’s minister of trade was feted at the Royal York hotel in Toronto, and activists from several organizations were present to protest trade cooperation with Israel. Protesters attendant at the meeting stood up, one after the other, to disrupt the Israeli trade minister’s speech. Their objections raised several issues, but heavily questioned how Canada could endorse deeper ties with Israel given Israel’s brutal and illegal crackdown on Palestinian protesters in Gaza just two weeks ago which also injured a Canadian doctor.
For a Constructive role in the Israel-Palestinian Situation
This position paper discusses Trump’s decree recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, its implications and the role Canada must play in the situation.
CJPME Applauds MPs’ Fact-finding Trip to Palestine
March 29, 2018 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) applauds the upcoming Parliamentary fact-finding trip to Palestine, and the participation of almost two dozen MPs. The participating MPs will be departing for Palestine on March 30, and most will remain for a week of scheduled activities. CJPME is optimistic that the trip will open be illuminating for the politicians involved, and that they will gain a greater appreciation of the struggles and suffering of the Palestinian people living under Israeli military occupation.
Jerusalem: Following the Trump Decree
CJPME Factsheet, published March 01, 2018: This factsheet addresses the ongoing debate between Israel and Palestine over Jerusalem. It explores both parties attachment to the city, as well as the International law on it. Finally, the factsheet addresses Trump’s recent decree and Canada’s position on the matter.
Read moreCJPME Condemns Canada’s UNGA Vote on Jerusalem
Montreal, December 21, 2018 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) condemns the Trudeau government’s decision to abstain in today’s UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution A/ES-10/L.22. The resolution demanded that “all States comply with Security Council resolutions regarding the Holy City of Jerusalem, and not recognize any actions or measures contrary to those resolutions.” Like most Canadians, CJPME considers this UNGA demand to be reasonable and in line with Canada’s supposed wish to support international law and a negotiated two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
CJPME launches Peace in Palestine campaign; pushes Parliament to condemn Israeli settlements
Montreal, September 27, 2017 – In light of Canada’s silence on Israel’s human rights abuses, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) launches the Peace in Palestine campaign in an effort to force Canada’s politicians to have an honest public discussion about Israel’s illegal settlements and how Canada must respond. The goal of the campaign is to have Parliament pass a motion condemning Israel’s illegal “settlements” (aka colonies), which are an ongoing obstacle to peace and violate Palestinians’ human rights.
CJPME applauds Canada’s funding for Palestinian Refugees
Montreal, August 25, 2017 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) applauds the Canadian government’s decision this week to renew funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) – the UN aid agency for Palestinian refugees. Thursday, Canada’s Minister of International Development, Marie-Claude Bibeau announced that Canada would contribute $25 million total to support the organization’s work. “CJPME and other human rights organizations would prefer that Canada and the international community find a permanent solution for the five million registered Palestinian refugees. In the meantime, however, this funding is much needed by this vulnerable refugee population," declared Thomas Woodley, president of CJPME.
CJPME disagrees with CFIA backtracking on wine labelling
Montreal, July 18, 2017 — Last week, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) issued a press release praising the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) decision to discontinue the importation of wines from Israeli colonies (aka “settlements”) mislabelled as “products of Israel.” CJPME is disappointed to learn that the CFIA has retracted its initial decision. CJPME disagrees with this latest flip-flop, and believes the government's posture prioritizes Israeli business interests over the consumer protection of Canadians, and the human rights of Palestinians.
Position Paper: Canada’s Response to Middle Eastern Authoritarian Regimes
This paper discusses multiple subjects regarding Canada's engagement policies with Middle Eastern countries as well as with <regime changing> initiatives led by other Western countries.