NDP pro-Palestinian byelection pamphlet draws criticism

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An election pamphlet for Montreal federal NDP byelection candidate Craig Sauvé picturing him before a Palestinian flag has drawn the criticism of Jewish and pro-Israel groups and members of the Conservative Party.

The NDP was quick to defend the image, saying the party has called for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict to spare the lives of Palestinians and Israelis, and condemned the leaders of the Liberal and Conservative parties for their stances on the Israel-Hamas war.

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“A disgraceful attempt by NDP candidate Craig Sauvé to import a foreign conflict into Quebec and Canada,” the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs posted on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). “In a bid for votes, Jagmeet Singh and the NDP are turning their backs on Canada and our values, fuelling antisemitism in the process.”

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Sauvé is the NDP candidate seeking to win the riding of LaSalle-Émard-Verdun in the Sept. 16 byelection.

On the back of the pamphlet, it reads: “I will vote for Craig Sauvé to stop the genocide in Gaza.” It adds that a vote for Sauvé and the NDP is a vote to increase pressure for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and for more humanitarian aid for Gaza. Sauvé also calls for an embargo on the sale of military weapons to Israel and for immediate action to apply the decision of the International Court of Justice and to ensure peace for everyone in the region.

In a statement issued Sunday, the NDP defended Sauvé’s pamphlet.

“Craig Sauvé included a maple leaf on the leaflet in question, and frequently poses with the Canadian flag and Quebec flags — both of which he deeply loves and respects,” the party said.

“It’s ludicrous to suggest that when a politician is seen with another flag it’s un-Canadian, whether that’s the Ukrainian flag, Israeli flag, Palestinian flag or other nations.”

Conservative MPs, including Melissa Lantsman and Marty Morantz, also weighed in, sharing the image on X and asking the NDP whether they approved of the message.

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“The NDP has been crystal clear on our position in support of a ceasefire and the release of all hostages because we believe in protecting both Israeli and Palestinian lives,” the NDP wrote in its statement. “We condemn Pierre Poilievre’s unconditional support for Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for war regardless of how many innocent Israeli and Palestinian people die. We condemn Justin Trudeau’s mealy-mouthed weak refusal to take action in support of a ceasefire and steps toward lasting peace.”

The statement included pictures of various politicians standing at events with flags, including Poilievre holding an Israel flag on Parliament Hill.

B’nai Brith Canada’s Quebec regional director Henry Topas was also critical of Sauvé’s message.

“Rather than unnecessarily taking positions on foreign conflicts, our political candidates should focus their platforms on domestic issues,” Topas said. “The pamphlets and social-media posts shared by Craig Sauvé’s campaign demonstrate that, rather than championing Canadian values, Sauvé is inclined to contribute to the … dialogue that is fomenting antisemitism and leading to the ostracization of Canada’s Jewish community.

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“By enabling its candidates to take such problematic positions, the federal NDP is contributing to the growing disconnect and rising levels of hate that are plaguing this country. It is vital that the party’s leaders reign in their caucus.”

On Oct. 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages.

Israel’s ensuing war against Hamas has since killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

rbruemmer@postmedia.com

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