The House of Commons successfully passed a revised motion proposed by the New Democratic Party on Monday evening. The motion, which underwent significant amendments, garnered support after last-minute changes were introduced by the governing Liberals.
The amended motion no longer explicitly calls for the immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood by the federal government. Instead, it advocates for diplomatic efforts towards “the establishment of the State of Palestine as part of a negotiated two-state solution.”
Initially scheduled for a vote around 7:30 p.m. ET, the motion’s amendments sparked confusion among Members of Parliament. Late in the evening, the Liberals proposed alterations aimed at toning down contentious elements, such as clauses regarding recognition and references to genocide. These adjustments, particularly those concerning recognition, had raised concerns within Jewish communities.
Among the amendments was the designation of Hamas as a “terrorist organization” and an affirmation of Israel’s right to defend itself. Additionally, the revised motion calls for halting the further transfer of arms to Israel and increasing efforts to curb the illegal trade of arms, including to Hamas.
The amendments received support from the NDP following extensive behind-the-scenes discussions.
A source within the Liberal Party highlighted the need to reduce political tensions, especially amid growing public protests. Immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood, the source argued, could complicate border issues and potentially isolate Canada from its G7 counterparts.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner criticized the amendment process, describing it as an “embarrassment.” She emphasized the importance of careful deliberation in shaping foreign policy, particularly on such significant matters.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly hailed the collaborative effort among MPs to find common ground on a matter of significant concern to Canadians.
In the aftermath of the vote, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting measures such as ceasing arms sales to Israel and supporting international legal bodies.
While acknowledging the motion’s importance, some MPs noted its shortcomings. Liberal MP Anthony Housefather cautioned against drawing a false equivalence between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to complex geopolitical issues.