(Ottawa) Justin Trudeau’s liberal troops were still divided Wednesday morning over Canada’s decision to support the day before a non-binding United Nations resolution which calls for “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire” between Israel and the Hamas.
“It’s a gift from God” which will help “stop the killing,” summarized the MP for Laval—Les Îles, Fayçal El-Khoury, upon his arrival at the weekly meeting of the Liberal caucus.
Mr. El-Khoury, who is of Lebanese origin, said that having lived through the war and seen “cousins massacred, houses burned”, he supports “100%” any decision that allows the temperature to be lowered and protect human life.
Also in the camp of those who are “grateful”, Toronto MP and president of the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group, Salma Zahid, welcomed “a first step”.
“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened,” she said. Nearly two million people are displaced. We have seen more than 18,000 innocent civilians killed, 70% of whom are children and women. As a mother, it has been very difficult for me these last two months to see all these photos. »
” Very disappointed ”
But it was very far from harmony between the elected officials. Montreal MP Anthony Housefather, who is Jewish, said he was “very disappointed” with the vote at the United Nations, to the point where he has repeatedly refused to say whether he plans to resign from the Liberal caucus.
PHOTO SEAN KILPATRICK, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Anthony Housefather
“I am a member of Parliament and I will continue to be a member of Parliament for Mount Royal,” he declared, later adding that he will continue to fight for “liberal values,” but that he must first think about many things other than his place in the caucus.
Government House Leader Karina Gould, also Jewish, said Canada’s vote at the UN is consistent with the idea that “a ceasefire could only be on one side » and that this implies that he is respected by Hamas.
PHOTO SEAN KILPATRICK, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Karina Gould
As for the atmosphere at the caucus, it is “very strong”, despite there being “difficult conversations”, she said. “Look, we are a diverse caucus, we represent diversity in Canada, we are the only caucus that truly represents all aspects of Canadian society. »
“We are a sovereign country”
Asked whether Canada is at risk by having voted differently from the United States at the UN, Justin Trudeau’s political lieutenant for Quebec, Pablo Rodriguez, responded bluntly: “Canada is a sovereign country. He can make his own decision.”
Mr. Rodriguez applauded support for a ceasefire as “thousands of people” die in Gaza and called for working on a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.
PHOTO SEAN KILPATRICK, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Pablo Rodriguez
And on the business front, the Minister of Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, said that he “does not think that people are mixing the positions that can be taken diplomatically in relation to investments.”
Mr. Champagne explained that each country makes decisions in line with its values and the role it can play in the conflict. Overall, he said, “everyone must advocate for peace.”