CMPAC Condemns Trudeau's Misguided Comments on Palestinian Genocide

September 6, 2024

CMPAC condemns Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent comments at a press conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which we believe misrepresent Canada’s role and responsibility in the ongoing crisis. Trudeau’s focus on Israel’s “right to defend itself” fails to address the legal and factual realities of international law. As an occupying power, Israel’s claims of self-defense against the Palestinians it oppresses are legally unfounded. Furthermore, Trudeau’s calls for peace while continuing to provide arms to a regime accused of apartheid by the International Court of Justice is deeply hypocritical. CMPAC urges the Canadian government to impose an immediate bilateral arms embargo on Israel and to stop supporting a regime engaged in systemic oppression and violence.

CMPAC Supports Amnesty International’s Call for Action on Gaza

September 6, 2024

CMPAC supports Amnesty International’s urgent call for action regarding Israel’s military expansion in Gaza. Amnesty’s latest report reveals the severe impact of these actions, including the destruction of thousands of homes, schools, and hospitals, the displacement of entire communities, and the devastation of over 50,000 hectares of farmland. This wanton destruction and collective punishment not only worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis but also violate international law. CMPAC demands immediate investigations into these violations to hold Israel accountable and end the cycle of impunity. For a detailed look at Amnesty’s findings, read their full investigation here: Amnesty International's Report.

CMPAC Reaffirms Commitment to Student Rights and Anti-Racism Efforts

September 3, 2024

As students return to school this fall, CMPAC reaffirms its commitment to defending their rights to free speech and peaceful assembly across all educational levels. We urge local authorities and educational institutions to actively combat Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism (APR) within their settings. Endorsing Amira Elghawaby’s letter to universities and colleges, CMPAC echoes the call for protecting free speech, ensuring transparency and accountability in addressing discrimination, and engaging with student activists to support their right to peaceful protest.

CMPAC Condemns Escalating Violence in the West Bank: A Call for Accountability

September 3, 2024

CMPAC is horrified by the rising anti-Palestinian violence as Israel intensifies its military operations in the occupied West Bank, specifically targeting cities like Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas. This aggressive campaign, which includes airstrikes, blockades, and widespread arrests, has resulted in severe civilian casualties and the destruction of vital infrastructure. These actions flagrantly defy the International Court of Justice’s ruling on the illegality of Israel’s occupation. CMPAC calls on Canada to condemn these violations of international humanitarian law and to implement diplomatic and economic measures, including sanctions, to pressure Israel to cease its aggression. We urge our representatives to demand immediate international intervention, ensure humanitarian access, and hold Israel accountable for its ongoing occupation and violence.

CMPAC Urges Immediate Action on #ArmsEmbargoNow Day of Action:

August 20, 2024

On August 20th, the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC) called on the Canadian government to implement a comprehensive two-way arms embargo on Israel in response to the escalating violence in Gaza. This violence, which resulted in over 40,000 civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure, highlighted the need for urgent action. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) had previously declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, as illegal under international law. CMPAC criticized Canada's ongoing arms trade with Israel, which exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and supports systemic discrimination against Palestinians. The Council demanded an immediate suspension of all military exports to Israel, the revocation of existing export permits, and increased transparency in weapon exports. CMPAC encouraged Canadians to engage with their MPs to advocate for these critical measures.

CMPAC Backs United Church of Canada’s Call for Suspension of Diplomatic Relations with Israel

August 19, 2024

CMPAC supports the United Church of Canada’s call for the suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel until it complies with the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on the illegality of the occupation. We endorse their demands, which include condemning attacks on civilians and schools, calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the Gaza blockade, increasing humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts, and implementing a comprehensive arms embargo alongside suspending the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement. 

A Step Forward for Privacy Rights: CMPAC Applauds Recent Court Ruling in R. v. Pike and Scott

August 16, 2024

The Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC) is celebrating the Ontario Court of Appeal's groundbreaking decision in R. v. Pike and Scott, which has declared Section 99(1)(a) of the Customs Act unconstitutional. This section previously allowed border officers to search electronic devices without reasonable grounds, violating Canadians' Charter rights against unreasonable search and seizure. The ruling underscores that privacy rights extend beyond the border and sets a vital precedent for the digital age. For Canadian Muslims, this decision is a significant step forward in protecting against profiling and unjust surveillance, reinforcing the need for clear legal standards and robust oversight to safeguard individual freedoms and address systemic issues within agencies like the CBSA.

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