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Statement on IDF soldiers platformed at Canadian universities

For over two years, Canadians from across the country have been speaking out against the genocide that is taking place in Gaza. The images we have all seen have been horrific and deeply troubling - a testament to the brutality of the actions the Israeli army and Netanyahu’s regime are inflicting on the people of Gaza. 

This week, I was outraged to learn that a tour of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers was organized across Canadian and American universities, including most recently at Toronto Metropolitan University. It is unacceptable for any institution of higher learning to permit active members of a foreign military force - particularly one currently engaged in genocide, forced starvation, and forced displacement of civilians - to use resources from publicly funded post-secondary institutions.

It is utterly unacceptable for Canadian universities to provide a platform to members of a military force that is committing genocide. These institutions have a moral and social responsibility to stand with international law and human rights, not with those who violate them.

A few months ago, I wrote to the Canadian government to express my concerns following media reports suggesting Canadians serving in the IDF may have committed serious crimes. Individuals in Canada - both citizens and non-citizens - are subject to the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, which gives Canadian authorities the legal ability to investigate and prosecute international crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Let me be clear: any individuals in Canada who are suspected of committing such crimes, in any context around the world, must be investigated and, if evidence warrants, prosecuted. It is unclear whether the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has conducted interviews with any of the individual IDF soldiers currently touring Canadian universities. The Government of Canada must immediately address these concerns. This is not only a matter of international law or domestic law; it is also a matter of public safety. 

After hearing from student activists, I am alarmed by the events that occurred this week, especially as a number of young people were hospitalized after attempting to interrupt the event that was taking place. The right to protest is protected in Canada. 

I will be writing to the Presidents of three Canadian universities that platformed these speaking engagements to express my concerns and insist that our public institutions never again legitimize or normalize war crimes. I will also raise my concerns with the Canadian government that IDF soldiers are freely touring Canadian universities while the genocide continues.

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Today’s attack on Iran by the United States and Israel is a serious violation of international law.

The repressive Iranian regime is a dictatorship that murders and brutalizes the Iranian people. But an illegal and unjustified war driven by Trump and Netanyahu will bring more civilian deaths and regional chaos.

Already, dozens of Iranian schoolgirls were killed in a horrific attack on a school. This is outrageous.

My thoughts are with people throughout the region who are terrified, and whose lives and futures should not be decided by warmongers who have no regard for human life.

My heart is also with Iranian Canadians and everyone terrified for the safety of their family and friends in the region.

Canada must unequivocally condemn these grave breaches of international law.

Statement on Iran

MP and candidate for Leader of Canada’s NDP, Heather McPherson made the following statement on Iran

I strongly condemn the horrific attacks on brave Iranian people, and I am deeply concerned for the well-being of thousands of Iranian protesters, including the loved ones of many Canadians. 

I commend the bravery of Iranians protesting the regime, and I stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, who have suffered under a brutal regime for decades. They deserve to live in freedom. Iranian people, like all people, deserve a future that is democratic and free. 

For years, I have urged the Government of Canada to do more to support the human rights of the Iranian people.

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