Last month, the Canadian House of Commons voted 229-51 for of a resolution calling upon the government to denounce the virulently anti-Israel BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanction) movement. The Conservative opposition to the Trudeau government introduced this anti-BDS resolution, and the ruling Liberal Party supported it. The New Democratic Party (NDP), however, voted against it, with some NDP members saying that they did so not because they supported BDS, but solely on free speech grounds.
An NDP MP, Charles Angus, suggested in a parliamentary session that the principle of free speech was at stake in supporting the anti-BDS motion. He said: “I note that last August the United Church of Canada, which represents two million Protestants, supported the divestment movement…This has nothing to do with my colleague’s claim that it is delegitimizing the State of Israel. This was a choice it made.”
Why would the United Church of Canada (UCC) make that choice? Solely on free speech grounds? Then why did it refer to Israel as “the thief,” “the occupier,” and “the aggressor” in their 26-page working group report on a bogus fact-finding mission to Israel? (Only three people constituted this “working group” that went on this “mission,” yet they presented themselves as a “working group” that represented the UCC. I have personally spoken to many pastors in the UCC who are against this and felt that the UCC had been were infiltrated by an agenda that was muscled into the church without their knowledge and against their will.)
NDP MP Angus went on to say: “My Conservative colleagues are asking Parliament to stand up in the House and condemn individuals in this country for their right to debate…We are being asked…to deny and condemn individual students for debating politics.”
On the other hand, Liberal foreign affairs minister Stéphane Dion said: “The Liberals do not support this boycott movement, because we do not believe it is conducive to achieving peace in the Middle East.”
That’s much more realistic. BDS is an aggressive movement forced upon universities by Islamists on campuses globally and in Canada through the Muslim Student Association, which do indeed debate politics, as NDP MP Angus stated: the Muslim Student Association has direct ties to terrorism and the Muslim Brotherhood. BDS is clearly a delegitimization of the state of Israel. Constitutionally, it can be disingenuously presented as needing to be protected under a right to free expression, but it is not ultimately about the freedom of expression. The BDS movement is about the branding of Israel wrongfully. Israel is a state that is threatened with obliteration while BDS and other anti-Israel propagandists accuse it unjustly of everything from apartheid to crimes against humanity.
In light of that fact, voting against the anti-BDS motion, as the NDP did, is not, in fact, a free speech or free expression issue. It is an anti-Israel/antisemitic issue which is disguised as an issue of the freedom of expression or the right to one’s own opinion. What other nation on the face of the earth faces threats to its existence in the face of ongoing attacks? None. Not even states that regularly carry out severe abuses against their own citizens and engage in the persecution of religious minorities. Only Israel.
The idea that the NDP actually opposes the BDS movement, while simply supporting the freedom of expression, is extremely dubious claim on other grounds as well. For example, during the debate on this resolution, NDP MP Hélène Laverdière asked whether by adopting the motion, she would be condemning the Ontario arm of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which endorsed BDS.
One CUPE local site features this anti-Israel propaganda: an article entitled, “Raid on the Gaza Flotilla Israel’s Attack on Us All.” This CUPE article asserts that “Israel is on a “collision course” with international standards of decency, solidarity, and respect for human rights.” How, pray tell, did the Canadian Union of Public Employees ever think it was part of its duties to get involved in Israel’s business?
For the record, on the CUPE site it states: “CUPE is a founding partner of the NDP. We are proud to be New Democrats.”
Because we value the freedom of expression, BDS is able to flourish stop in our democracy, but the NDP’s opposition to the anti-BDS motion is motivated by an agenda that is far more ominous than a simple determination to defend the freedom of speech, given the NDP’s history and its partnership with CUPE.
Christine Williams is an award-winning broadcast journalist; advisor to Canada’s Office of Religious Freedoms; and Public Affairs/Media Consultant, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem–Canada.

Hope says
So, freedom of speech is OK with liberals when it’s convenient.
Bamaguje says
Indeed the same Leftists who respect the free speech of “virulently anti-Israel BDS” haters, have a problem with critics of Jihadism or Muslim immigration who are denounced as racists and Islamophobes.
“Virulently anti-Israel BDS” is largely driven by antisemitism, which is racism. It does not deserve free protection.
There is no BDS against China which occupies Tibet, Turkey which occupies northern Cyprus, Morocco which occupies Western Sahara, Russia occupies Sakhalin or U.S. which occupies Guantanamo.
But Jews on their ancestral homeland of Judea & Samaria on which they lived for over 3 millennia until driven out in 1948 by a British led Jordanian Arab legion, are now “occupation” after reclaiming the area in the 3rd Arab war to destroy Israel (1967).
No matter how the Israel haters spin it, the BDS campaign is largely driven by virulently antisemitism.
Huck Folder says
“Stephane Dion: Tories’ BDS Motion (Which Grits Support) **A Failed Attempt To Divide**
The Huffington Post Canada | By Ryan Maloney 02/19/2016”
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/02/19/stephane-dion-bds-israel-conservatives-ndp_n_9276636.html
“Liberals will support a Conservative motion condemning the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, even if the foreign affairs minister SEES IT as an attempt to ‘SPARK DIVISION’.
“In question period on Friday, Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion ACCUSED the Tories of TRYING TO DRIVE A WEDGE between members of Parliament on the Jewish state.
“Dion was responding to Tory MP David Sweet, who rose to laud backbench Liberals for condemning the “anti-Semitic boycott, divest, and sanction” movement Thursday, which calls for economic boycotts of the Jewish state’s goods and services over its treatment of Palestinians.
“Sweet asked if the Liberal cabinet would be “clear and unequivocal” in condemning the movement and launch an educational program on it, as well.
“Dion said the government aims to strengthen all programs that educate Canadians against racism and intolerance.
“”This being said, the attempt of the Conservatives to divide this House on this issue failed yesterday, and it will always fail as long as we have this government in place,” he said, to applause.
“NDP MP Charlie Angus said the Tories were attempting to use Parliament to deny individuals their right to dissent. He compared Dion’s decision to go along with it to the Liberals’ vote for Bill C-51 terror bill last year, which he said was motivated by fear of the “Conservative rhetorical machine.”
“”I am absolutely shocked that (Dion) would stand with the Conservatives on a motion that specifically calls upon us to condemn individuals for their right to dissent,” Angus said.
“NDP foreign affairs critic Hélène Laverdière said New Democrats don’t support the BDS movement and believe there are “far more effective” ways to help Israel and Palestinians.
“”However, just because we do not support it does not mean that the House can condemn people who peacefully support another idea,” she said. “We will find a solution through informed debate and engagement, not by condemning people or disrupting dialogue.”
“That was much the same position taken by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May who said she won’t support the motion, but warned against assuming all who participate in such boycotts are anti-Semitic. [A lot are just duped]
“If the United Church of Canada carries forward such a campaign, it is not anti-Semitic organization,” she said. “It is not a hate-filled organization.” [Proof?]
Peter Charles says
Canada at its’ very best.
Western Canadian says
Actually, the ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FARCE (not, FARCE, not FORCE) was light years removed from rec/green. Mush more involved in the real world, and vastly funnier.
Western Canadian says
Should be (note, FARCE
Dexter Wilson says
Time to contact CBN 700 Club and get their new DVD, “Whose Land It It” which spells out in no uncertain terms that Israel belongs to the Jews. Get it if you are a Canadian and make sure that every media gets a copy of it and make their Democrats look like fools. That should be fun.
Huck Folder says
Also:
http://bdsguide.com/
Not what some people think!
Mirren10 says
Good one !
Just posted it on their fb page. 🙂
Mirren10 says
Just found this, as well.
https://www.commentarymagazine.com/foreign-policy/middle-east/israel/grumpy-cat-trumps-bds-movement-facebook/.
Angemon says
That site is ace!
mortimer says
Go out and find some products made in Israel and buy them.
CeltictotheBone says
I trust Israeli products over products from most other countries…and sometimes even products from USA and Canada. Israel rocks!
Mirren10 says
”Go out and find some products made in Israel and buy them.”
That’s why the bds fb is so useful.
Send them a post thanking them for their help, their list makes it so much easier to buy Israeli ! 🙂
Angemon says
What happened to the old Democrats that warranted a change?
Dean says
The United Church, the NDP, CUPE, and the Islamic student movement are all radicalizing youth on campuses and grooming students to make them ripe for ISIS recruitment.
On that basis these leftist and islamist groups must be condemned and mocked. I do not say that they should be muzzled like the hate-mongers on the Left want Israel and their supporters to be muzzled, but I am saying that they need a heavy dose of derision justified by the fact that the Left and islamists are enemies of the West and enemies of their own family and friends in Canada. They would rather have you bombed in our own country, canada, by Muslims than support Jews defending themselves against such Islamic terrorism in Israel.
John spielman says
I have no respect for CUPE- never have, and the NDP party is in open rebellion against their present leader so perhaps it time to bid adieu to the NDP
Islam_Macht_Frei says
If you know any BDS-tards, pass along this handy guide, so they can do it right.
http://bdsguide.com/
Of course, “doing it right” will entail getting off their PCs. off the Internet, and ditching their mobile phones. If you see them remaining on the Internet (for example, blogging their Jew hatred), thank them for their support of Israel.
As for me – I am going to boycott Gaza. No risk their, since nothing of value comes from their.
Islam_Macht_Frei says
2 x “there” – oops
Hope says
Great link!
CeltictotheBone says
Just took the BDS Quiz on http://bdsguide.com/ and scored 8/10..shudda had 10/10. I then tweeted result and website. Excellent fact based site.
Stay strong Israel.
خَليفة says
You can use the list to find companies to support.
Stay strong Israel, and…
לחיות זמן רב ולשגשג
Mirren10 says
Indeed !
Am Yisrael Chai !
scott camillo says
Are we surprised that the NDP would vote against it. They have always been anti-Israel and pro- Palestinian
pointshaver says
Canada will be the first western hemisphere islamic republic.
Western Canadian says
Horse sh– it will. Take your ignorance about Canadians, and shove it.
Clive says
Another bunch of antisemetic assholes who ignore the truth
Steve L says
We Judeans are the indigenous of Judea … how difficult is the concept of Judea = Judeans? Of course if you believe as the United Church of Canada (UCC) does – which doesn’t speak to highly of this so called Church – a Church that refers to Judeans as stealingJudea then I suppose you feel comfortable saying virtually anything since you must believe those listening to you are cretins. The real thieves are Arabs who never called themselves “Palestinians” because it was a Roman word and more importantly they weren’t even able to pronounce it and that is how silly this idiotic fairy tale narrative actually is and those playing it are either dumb as rocks or so horribly cynical
Jay Boo says
Check under the hood.
Read the label.
Canada’s second highest valued export $60 billion is automobiles.
This includes the following vehicles
Toyota, Honda, GMC, Chevy, Dodge.
bostongal912 says
Peace in the Middle East? Not going to happen! The violent Palestinians don’t want it! They want to wipe out Isreal and won’t be happy with anything less! I read that Iran is helping them now!
Benedict says
Israel occupies land to which it belongs from Biblical times. Arabs and the world should live with that that. Say or do what the anti Israel lobby may, but Israel stays where its, no power on earth can change that.
Morty Mooze says
Take the B(ull) S(hit) out of the BdS and all that remains is
crass, crude, violent nazi-thug anti-JEW-ism !!!
UNCLE VLADDI says
The United Church of Canada are socialists whose members are all in the NsDaP and who support islam and even take money to teach islam to muslims.
Yes, you read that right!
United Church Of Canada Treason:
From:
http://unclevladdi.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/canadas-united-church-offers-and-pays-for-islamic-studies-program-for-muslims/
Canada’s United Church offers (and pays for) “Islamic Studies” program – for Muslims!
UNCLE VLADDI says
The BDS movement exists as the nonviolent arm of the Islamist movement to not only delegitimize Israel, but to undermine our liberal democratic values of freedom of speech and association and to systematically pervert our secular legal system. The first democratic institution the Islamists would dismantle would be our system of justice.
The BDS Movement was started by the Arab League in 1945, prior to the creation of the State of Israel, as a three-tiered declaration of economic warfare against the Jews. The Arab League Council declared in 1945 that its participating states should “oppose Jewish industry by all possible means” and that the boycott “should not be confined to governmental action only, but should also be [undertaken] through the people.” After Israel’s establishment in 1948, the boycott was expanded to include a total ban on all commercial and financial transactions with Israel. The League mandated a primary boycott against Israeli products; a secondary boycott against any entity worldwide that does business with Israel directly or indirectly; and a tertiary boycott prohibiting any Arab League state from doing business with any company that deals with companies that have been “blacklisted” by the Arab League – including “companies that the Arab League identifies as having ‘Zionist sympathizers’ in executive positions or on the board of the company.”
The goals of BDS remain the same as they were in 1945: to delegitimize Israel, marginalize Jews and Israelis, and bankrupt the Jewish state. The actions of the BDS Movement and its proponents are likely in violation of several American laws including the Patriot Act’s material support laws, the Export Administration Act, the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Further, the goals of BDS severely contravene the fundamental American public policy of support for Israel and its continued existence and security.
BDS proponents act contrary to the public policies the United States; regularly engage in lawfare to silence speech exposing the BDS Movement’s ties to terrorism; and have been connected to litigation in the context of material support for terrorism.
paul says
I guess the NDP is now the New Muslim Party…
The muslims give Treaudeax the PM job with their votes.
I wonder how they will like Trump as US president?
Tim Murray says
So Charlie Angus and the NDP caucus opposed this motion on the grounds of free speech? Is this the same man and the same party that opposed the elimination of Section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act? One only needs to look at what has happened on university campuses in the last decade to know how Leftists feel about free speech. It is the Left which is the architect of kangaroo courts and the soft totalitarianism that has overcome Canadian society. For these people to present themselves as champions of free speech is both galling and ludicrous.
As for the United Church of Canada, what is it except the NDP in prayer? Why do we accord this counterfeit Christian organization any moral authority whatsoever? Perhaps their flock should consult Genesis 12:2-3 before jumping on the BDS bandwagon. Then again, that would mean referring to the Bible for moral guidance, something that is obviously alien to this oracle of progressive trendydom.