Canadian parliamentarians and protesters alike are descending on the U.S. capital for what’s being billed as a massive international effort to confront the growing spectre of antisemitism and demand the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Organizers say they hope Tuesday’s “March for Israel” on Washington’s National Mall will rival similar protests that took place in D.C. in 1987 and 2002, when more than 100,000 people turned up.
At the same time, U.S. lawmakers will sit down with a host of international counterparts from around the world for three days of meetings hosted by the International Council of Jewish Parliamentarians and the World Jewish Congress.
It’s the first in-person meeting in eight years for the council, which Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) helped to resurrect in 2021 as a response to a mounting tide of authoritarianism and anti-Jewish sentiment around the world.
“I never faced any antisemitism growing up, I don’t remember any antisemitism when I was in college, and I never faced it in my professional career,” said Anthony Housefather, a Liberal MP from Montreal who is in D.C. for the meetings.
“The first time I’ve really confronted it has been in the last seven years as a federally elected MP.”
One particular spike came in May 2021 at the height of fresh clashes between Israel and Palestinians in the West Bank, but Housefather said it doesn’t compare to the vitriol that has emerged over the last month.
“I can say shocked, appalled — there’s really almost no words to see what’s happened this time,” he said. “I never would have thought this could happen in Canada and the United States, ever.”
Also rounding out the Canadian delegation are Ya’ara Saks, a Toronto MP and newly appointed Liberal government cabinet minister, as well as Sen. Marc Gold, the government’s representative in the upper chamber.
A spate of recent incidents in Montreal, including attacks on synagogues and Jewish schools and a protest at Concordia University last week that turned violent, have been difficult, said Housefather, whose riding is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in Canada.
“Students on campus are feeling afraid to go to school,” he said of the Concordia aftermath. “This is something like I’ve never seen before, and I think it’s probably the most difficult emotional time that I’ve ever had as an elected official.”
A number of Canadian protesters are also on their way to take part in the rally in D.C., where organizers, police and security officials are bracing for crowds that could exceed 100,000 people.
Sam Mogil, 16, attends a Jewish high school in Toronto that he said is just one of several similar institutions that are cancelling classes Tuesday and sending busloads of their students to the U.S. to take part in the protest.
“Judaism cuts across borders. we have strength in numbers … and we want to work together,” Mogil said in a brief telephone interview.
“We are going to witness history, but we are also going to change history. We want people to act, to take action after seeing how much pain this has caused our community.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2023.
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
