Montreal, June 17, 2020  — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) believes that Canada’s defeat in its campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) proves that Canada’s failure to demonstrate leadership on human rights and international cooperation has isolated it from world opinion. Canada lost in the first ballot to both Norway (population 5.3 million) and Ireland (population 4.9 million). CJPME suggests that Canadian foreign policy must be critically re-examined if Canada wants to improve its international reputation and be a viable UNSC candidate in the future.

Montreal, June 16, 2020  — As Canada’s candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) comes to a vote tomorrow, a new survey conducted by EKOS Research Associates reveals that Canadians want more from their government on foreign policy. The survey found that three out of four Canadians want their government to oppose Israel’s annexation of large parts of the West Bank, while almost half support the use of sanctions. It further shows that Canadians support increasing international contributions in several specific areas where Canada lags behind its competitors, including peacekeeping, combatting climate change, and support for Palestinian human rights.

Montreal, June 11, 2020  — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) believes that Canada’s bid for a UN Security Council (UNSC) seat has been badly shaken by an influential Canadian grassroots campaign. CJPME obtained a letter from Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, addressed to all UN Member and Observer States and signed June 10, 2020, which seeks to defend Canada’s record on Israel and Palestine. Canada’s letter is a direct response to the campaign “Canada does not deserve a seat on the UN Security Council,” which is supported by hundreds of organizations and prominent individuals calling UN member states to vote against Canada’s candidacy for the UNSC seat. 

Montreal, June 8, 2020  — In light of the upcoming UN vote for new Security Council (UNSC) members, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) urges the Canadian government to commit to a dramatic reorientation of its foreign policy priorities. Canada is in a run-off election for a UNSC seat against Ireland and Norway, two countries whose international records demonstrate an impressive commitment to human rights and international development. The vote for the temporary, two-year seat on the UNSC is scheduled for June 17.

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.

CJPME Factsheet 202, published May 16, 2017: This factsheet addresses the recent criticism on Canada's funding of UNRWA. Most importantly, it discusses whether or not UNRWA has ties to Hamas, whether or not UNRWA allows Hamas to use its schools as weapons caches, and whether or not UNRWA incites hate against Israelis. Finally, CJPME suggests a way Canada should respond if ties to Hamas were found. 

Montreal, January 31, 2017  — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) calls on the Canadian government to condemn Israel’s recent statements announcing its intention to expand its illegal settlements in Palestinian territory.  In the week ending Friday, Jan. 27^th, Israel made three separate settlement expansion announcements, yet Canada remained unresponsive.  “Not only are such announcements contrary to international law,” declared Thomas Woodley, President of CJPME, “But such belligerent moves also contradict long-standing Canadian policy on the Israel-Palestine conflict.”  

CJPME Political Blog, January 6th, 2017: 

Friday’s UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution censuring Israel will not resurrect dead Palestinians or Israelis from wars past, nor will it change the near-term prospect for peace.  But despite cynical criticism from the left, the UNSC resolution condemning Israel’s illegal settlements (a.k.a. colonies) is still very significant.  

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, November 29, 2012  — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East is delighted that the UN General Assembly has granted Palestine “observer state” status at the UN. The vote represents a significant step forward for the international recognition and self-determination of the Palestinian people.  While the vote does not confer full member-state status for Palestine, it will give the Palestinians access to several new legal and diplomatic tools by which they can further their aspirations for full statehood.