NDP calls on Canada to recognize the State of Palestine today

NDP critic for Foreign Affairs Heather McPherson issued the following statement:

“New Democrats commend French President Emmanuel Macron for the correct political and moral choice to recognize the State of Palestine, and we urge Prime Minister Mark Carney to do the same today.

As the people of Palestine endure genocide, starvation, occupation, home demolitions, and ongoing violence, and as they struggle to survive amid the inaction of the international community, it is long past time for Canada to show moral courage and uphold international law. Humanitarian aid continues to be denied entry by Israel into Gaza. Canada must intervene and use every tool available to lift this inhumane siege that is starving Palestinians, journalists and humanitarian workers in Gaza.

Canadian recognition of the State of Palestine – already a state under international law and recognized by 148 other countries - will go a long way toward establishing the conditions for peace and justice for all in the region. There is no two-state solution without two states.

While Mark Carney says “Canada supports a two-state solution,” he refuses to act. In this Parliament, the first motion on the Order Paper – my motion M-1 tabled in June – again calls on Canada to recognize the State of Palestine. But Canada can act now without waiting for a vote in Parliament.

Our 2024 New Democrat motion calling on Canada to recognize the State of Palestine garnered so much support that it forced the government to finally hold hearings at the Foreign Affairs Committee on this matter. At that time, every credible expert testified that Canada can and should recognize the State of Palestine immediately. Yet despite this expert advice and despite the support of a majority of Canadians for this effort, the Liberal government and the Conservatives have refused to show any solidarity with the Palestinian people struggling to survive.

In the name of peace and justice, New Democrats reiterate our call on the Carney government to recognize the State of Palestine today.”