The NDP is defending its candidate in a Montreal federal byelection after a campaign flyer featuring the Palestinian flag and accusations of “genocide” in the Gaza Strip has drawn criticism from political opponents and a Jewish group.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs says the leaflet for LaSalle—Émard—Verdun candidate Craig Sauvé fuels antisemitism and shows the NDP has turned its back on Canadian values.
In the image posted online by CIJA, Sauvé is photographed with a backdrop of the Palestinian flag with a message urging voters to cast their ballot for him on Sept. 16 “to stop the genocide in Gaza.”
The NDP responded by saying Sauvé “included a Maple Leaf on the leaflet in question.”
It added that the party has been “crystal clear” in its support for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the release of all hostages held by Hamas in the war with Israel.
The party says Sauvé regularly poses with Quebec and Canadian flags and adds that it’s “ludicrous” to suggest that being seen with another country’s flag is un-Canadian.
Conservative politicians including Michelle Rempel Garner have also jumped on the brochure, questioning why Sauvé would feature a foreign flag instead of Canada’s.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 9, 2024.