Michael Starr
Jerusalem Post, Apr. 27, 2025
“Poilievre has been an outspoken ally of Israel, especially since the October 7 massacre, calling for intelligence and consular support and for Canada to stand with Israel until Hamas is defeated and dismantled.”
Canadian Jews are set to head to the ballot box for a federal election on Monday, with concerns about safety and antisemitism at the forefront for many Jewish voters.
The Liberal Party is projected to likely win enough parliament seats for a slim majority government, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, potentially continuing a decade of federal liberal rule and solidifying control after six years of minority parliament.
The same projections predicted that the Conservative Party would continue as the opposition, but polling indicated that support for the New Democratic Party and Bloc Québécois dropped precipitously from the previous parliament. CBC projected the NDP to drop from 25 to 5 seats, and the Bloc from 32 to 23.
The election comes after the resignation of ex-prime minister Justin Trudeau, a trade dispute with the United States, and persistent economic issues. Jewish voters are also going to the polls under the specter of rising antisemitic incidents, with B’nai Brith Canada’s 2024 audit recording a total of 6,219 incidents – a 7.4% increase from 2023.
The Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has received criticism for rising Jew hate under its watch, making antisemitism an election issue. Antisemitism escalated following the October 7 massacre, as did anti-Israel protests and pushes for pro-Palestinian policy, leading to debates about Israel-Canada ties.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and B’nai Brith Canada have both launched campaigns urging Canadian Jews to vote, complete with answers from federal parties to pressing policy issues for the demographic.
Protecting the Jewish community in Canada
CIJA asked the federal parties about how they would protect the Jewish community from attacks, including from the current wave of arson and vandalism against synagogues, schools, and community centers. CIJA also asked how the parties would address discrimination and intimidation of Jews in society, protecting social cohesion and values, and strong diplomatic and security ties with Israel….SOURCE