Blacklock’s Reporter
Thursday, August 21, 2025
https://www.blacklocks.ca/tell-carney-to-ask-mps-first/
Mark Carney must consult Parliament before recognizing Palestine as a country, B’nai Brith petitioners yesterday wrote the Prime Minister. The historic concession was so “profoundly troubling” and lacking in “moral clarity” it warrants parliamentary debate, wrote petitioners including rabbis and CEOs.
“Though the hasty recognition of a Palestinian state may appease some on Canada’s political fringes, it is beyond the pale that such a serious reversal in Canadian foreign policy has been made at a time when Parliament is not in session,” wrote petitioners. “The Canadian public must have a say in matters that impact the direction of our country.”
“It is an affront to our democracy to have such a significant decision made unilaterally,” wrote petitioners. “There should have been an opportunity for such a policy to be questioned and explained in Parliament.”
The petition was signed by 61 rabbis, commentators, public office holders and executives including B’nai Brith Canada chief operating officer Judy Foldes, TD Securities deputy chair Rona Ambrose, Aspenleaf Energy CEO Bryan Gould, Pear Tree Financial CEO Ron Bernbaum, Kalles Real Estate Ltd. president Michael Kalles, United Bakers president Nathan Ladovsky, Maverix Private Equity founder John Ruffolo and Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses president Catherine Swift.
Carney made the announcement July 30 with Parliament in summer recess. Canadian diplomats at the United Nations would be directed to vote in recognition of a State of Palestine with conditions, he said. “I am speaking for Canada now,” he told reporters.
“Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine,” said Carney. “The core of the decision is taken on the principle of self-determination and the rights of people to self-determination,” he added.
Rejected In 2024
MPs in 2024 voted 204 to 118 against a New Democrat motion to “officially recognize the State of Palestine.” Then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called it untimely following Hamas terrorists’ killing and kidnapping of Jews in Israel, including eight Canadians. “Canada is prepared to recognize the state of Palestine at a time when that is most conducive to establishing lasting peace,” said Trudeau.
Carney’s announcement followed a June 6 incident in which the Prime Minister cut short a visit to an Ottawa conference of the Canadian Muslim Association after protestors began chanting “Free Palestine.” Carney had joined eight Liberal MPs in attending the conference for Eid al-Adha observances.
“All of us must come together around the values of Eid, the values of community, of generosity and yes, of sacrifice,” said Carney. “These are Muslim values. These are Canadian values.”
“I know for many, myself included, these celebrations also bring sadness evoked by the intolerable suffering around the world including in Gaza,” said Carney. “It’s the sadness I feel because of the hatred fueled by ignorance that is still a lived reality for far too many Muslim Canadians.”
“It’s in these moments that we lean on our faith, a faith that carries us through the tough times, a faith that brings joy shining through the darkest clouds, a faith that brings us together to celebrate,” said Carney. “We wish you all an Eid celebration.”
By Staff 