Montreal, Nov. 29, 2015 – Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) asserts that several of Canada’s recent votes at the United Nations (UN) are entirely unrepresentative of the position of the majority of Canadians. In annual votes concerning Israel, Palestine and related issues, the Liberal government continued a disturbing trend established by the previous Harper government of supporting untenable Israeli positions in the face of overwhelming international opposition. On six resolutions, Canada joined Israel, the US and four tiny Pacific island nations in extremely lopsided losses (details below.) 

Montreal, Nov. 14, 2015 – Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) joins the many voices worldwide condemning the terrorist attacks that occurred Friday in Paris, killing at least 129.  While details are still emerging, French officials have indicated that individuals acting in the name of the so called “Islamic State” (ISIS) may be responsible. As the attacks in Paris risk inflaming anti-Muslim sentiment in Canada, CJPME points out that Canadian Muslim groups, e.g. the Muslim Canadian Federation, have already publicly denounced the Paris attacks.  

Montreal, May 22, 2015 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) urges the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) to support FIFA sanctions against Israel. On May 29, 2015, the 209 member-states of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) will vote on a resolution on whether to have Israel suspended from FIFA.  Israel stands accused of gross violations of FIFA’s code of conduct against Palestinian soccer players for harassing, beating, torturing, shooting, and imprisoning them. For the resolution to pass, a 75 percent vote majority is required, although a simple majority would still result in Israel being censured.

Montreal, April 21, 2015  — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) calls on the Canadian government to push diplomatically for a ceasefire in Yemen.  Not only is the civil war in the country causing widespread death and destruction, but the Saudi Arabia-led airstrikes are adding to the mayhem and obstructing humanitarian efforts.  “While it may be difficult to intervene neutrally in a civil war, Canada should certainly do everything it can to stop the Saudi-led airstrikes.  These airstrikes are carried out in clear violation of international law,” asserts Thomas Woodley, President of CJPME.

Montreal, January 21, 2015 – Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird’s visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories this week demonstrated just how badly Canada’s image has been tarnished in the Middle East. Upon arriving in the West Bank, Baird’s convoy was pelted with eggs and shoes by Palestinians dissatisfied with the Canadian government’s stance on the situation in the region. While Canada managed to remain somewhat neutral with regard to the Arab-Israeli conflict under previous governments, recent remarks by Baird illustrate just how far Canada has come in its fawning support for Israel and its disregard for legitimate Palestinian concerns.

Montreal, March 13, 2014  — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) condemns the recent escalation of cross-border violence between Israel and the militant group Islamic Jihad, operating in Gaza.  CJPME also condemns the Canadian government’s lop-sided response to the escalation. The Harper government condemned the rocket attacks from Gaza, but ignored Israel’s role – beginning on Tuesday – in the current surge of violence.  “On what basis does the Harper government condemn one act, and condone another,” says CJPME President Thomas Woodley. Canada has thus far also failed to critique Israeli airstrikes in Gaza conducted late Wednesday.  CJPME urges the Canadian government and Canadian MPs to press both Israel and Islamic Jihad to respect the cease-fire.

Thursday, Nov. 29th, the UN voted to upgrade Palestine’s UN status to that of “observer state.” The vote passed with a lot of international support, but Canada voted against. CJPME vehemently disagrees with the Harper government’s UN vote, considering it unjustifiable, and shameful.

In October, 2010, Canada lost its bid for a place on the UN Security Council (UNSC). This is the first time in six decades that Canada has sought a seat on the Security Council and failed to win it. Canada must change its approach to Middle East policy or it will be increasingly marginalized at the UN. 

CJPME Factsheet 106, published November, 2010: Canada has increasingly isolated itself on the short side of innumerable one-sided votes in international forums. Canada’s track record shows that Ottawa is far from belonging to a “moral majority” when it comes to crucial international votes. This factsheet provides a detailed summary of Canada’s votes in international forums as well as Ottawa’s pro-Israel Middle East policy.

CJPME Factsheet 105, published November, 2010: This factsheet looks at Canada’s declining international reputation. The Canadian government under Harper has been steadily losing stature due to its positions on a number of issues: from a lack of action on climate change, to reduced international development aid, to the occupation of Afghanistan and abandonment of international peacekeeping. Yet the shift in foreign policy is especially apparent and damaging in regards to the Middle East, particularly on Israeli-Palestinian issues.