Canada This Week May 27-31
Israel continues it’s Rafah offensive despite international calls to stop
Here is what’s happening in Canadian politics this week:
The Rafah Red Line
The situation in Gaza will continue to lead the headlines this week. On May 24th, the United Nations top court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), ruled on a claim brought forward by South Africa, which alleged Israeli violation of the Genocide Convention. The ICJ issued a significant ruling regarding Israel's military actions in Rafah, Gaza. The court ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah and to take all necessary measures to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians. The ICJ also called for Israel to allow humanitarian relief to flow into Gaza without interference or delay; the restriction of aid over the duration of the conflict has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Israeli government dismissed the ICJ ruling and stated halting the offensive would lead to greater threats against Israeli citizens. Over the weekend, the IDF continued strikes in Rafah and hit an encampment of displaced Gazans on Sunday night. The strike killed 45 people and injured over 200 children and women, many of whom burned to death as the camp burned overnight. On Monday, Israeli officials said that the strike was a “tragic mistake” and vowed to investigate. Many questions have been raised about this “mistake,” as Israel has a full arsenal of precision-guided munitions which are intended to minimize civilian casualties. It should be noted that the bombs were dropped in a zone designated by Israel as “safe.” International condemnation was swift and decisive, highlighting the continued isolation Israel is facing on the global stage as a result of their continued offensive into Gaza.
French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron took to X Monday morning to express his “outrage” over the bombing of a camp of displaced Gazan’s on Sunday night.
The Canadian Response
Since the ICJ ruling on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of blocking a two-state solution and stated that Canada “fundamentally” disagrees with the position of PM Netanyahu: “Canada’s position has always been that the solution to the extraordinarily difficult challenges in the Middle East is a two-state solution, a peaceful, secure, democratic Israel alongside a peaceful, secure, democratic Palestinian state… Unfortunately, the Netanyahu government is creating barriers and blockages to ever being able to create or even imagine that two-state solution.” These comments were made before the bombings on Rafah over the weekend. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh tweeted his condemnation of the events which took place in Rafah Sunday night, stating that Canada is failing the people of Gaza.
Federal NDP Leader responded Sunday night to the events taking place in Rafah.
Singh also brought up Sunday’s strike in Question Period, where Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly reiterated calls for Israel to follow international rules of war and Canada’s call for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict. Over the past number of weeks, Canada, alongside a majority of the international community, has backed down in its support for Israel as accusations of war crimes and genocide ramp up. Earlier in May, Canada moved to abstain on a vote at the United Nations General Assembly to recognize Palestinian statehood. Historically, Canada voted no on similar motions. This move signals a change in foreign policy, indicating Canadian openness to the recognition of a Palestinian state.
University of Toronto's Encampment Faces Legal Showdown
A court will make a decision on Tuesday regarding the status on a Pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus of the University of Toronto
The University of Toronto's pro-Palestinian student encampment will continue for at least one more day as the university prepares to seek an injunction to clear the protest site on Tuesday.
Current Situation
On Monday morning, protesters gathered in the rain alongside union supporters. Despite a deadline set by the university for 8 a.m. Monday to vacate the premises or face academic and legal consequences, protesters remained firm. The university's final offer, made last Friday, included setting up a committee to consider divestment from Israel, which the protesters rejected.
Background
The encampment began on May 2 with a few tents and has since grown to hundreds. Protesters are demanding the university disclose all investments, divest from any that support the Israeli military or illegal West Bank settlements, and cut ties with certain Israeli universities.
Legal Action
The University of Toronto filed for a judicial injunction, which will be heard on Tuesday. This move aims to clear the camp before convocation begins on June 3. The Ontario Federation of Labour announced plans to seek intervener status to support the encampment in court.
What’s Next?
If granted, the injunction would allow immediate enforcement, potentially leading to police intervention. However, obtaining an injunction is not guaranteed, as similar attempts by other universities have failed. Police currently have the authority to intervene but may wait for a court order.
The situation remains fluid, with the university and protesters holding firm on their positions, setting the stage for a crucial court decision on Tuesday.
Ontario Privacy Commissioner to Release Special Report on Greenbelt Scandal
Ontario’s privacy commissioner is set to release a special report detailing the Ford government’s handling of Greenbelt-related emails and documents, as revealed by the opposition NDP. This report is anticipated to shed light on the government's record-keeping practices amidst allegations of preferential treatment for well-connected Greenbelt speculators.
NDP's Concerns
NDP Leader Marit Stiles has voiced significant concerns over the handling of Greenbelt-related communications by the Ford government. Stiles highlighted issues such as deleted emails, the use of personal accounts for official business, and other apparent attempts to cover up governmental actions. According to Stiles, this forthcoming report is crucial as it promises to provide a clearer understanding of the government’s conduct regarding the Greenbelt.
Background
In April, the NDP submitted documents to the Information and Privacy Commissioner indicating that the term “G*” was being used in place of “Greenbelt” in emails. Additionally, it was revealed that personal phones and email accounts were being utilized for conducting government business, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Stiles also pointed out inconsistencies in testimonies from government staffers, further complicating the issue.
Commissioner’s Response
The privacy commissioner responded on May 21, revealing that there are currently 19 active files concerning requests for records related to the Greenbelt. Given the volume and importance of these requests, the commissioner decided to dedicate an entire special report to address access-to-information and record-keeping practices related to the Greenbelt changes. This report is expected to offer significant insights into how the Ford government managed these records.
Ongoing Investigations
The Greenbelt scandal, involving $8.28 billion, is also under investigation by the RCMP. Recently, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie released a letter requesting an update from the RCMP on their investigation in light of the latest revelations. This move underscores the seriousness and broad interest in ensuring accountability in the Greenbelt dealings.
Government’s Stance
Throughout these developments, Premier Doug Ford’s office has consistently maintained that it had no role in selecting the lands to be removed from the Greenbelt. Despite these assertions, the release of the special report by the privacy commissioner is poised to provide a detailed examination of the Ford government’s record-keeping and decision-making processes.
This special report is anticipated to be a pivotal document, offering essential insights into the conduct and transparency of the Ford government concerning the Greenbelt issue. As the situation unfolds, it will be critical to monitor how these findings impact public perception and governmental accountability.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the sale of Beer and Wine will be expanded to more retail settings this fall.
Ontario to Bring Beer and Wine to Convenience Stores
Back in 2018, when Doug Ford was campaigning for his first term as Ontario Premier, he made a big promise to Ontarians that under his leadership he would bring in a “buck-a-beer” option for Ontario consumers to enjoy. In reality, the buck-a-beer options were short-lived and extremely limited. Beer prices in Ontario have steadily increased since 2018 and are now significantly higher than in neighbouring provinces.
Price of a 60-Pack of Coors Light in Ontario as posted on the Beer Store website.
The price of beer in Quebec as posted on Epicerie Dubeau Grocery
Now, Ontario taxpayers will be on the hook for $225 million to be paid to the Beer Store, the collective brewers' retail operation, to break an agreement between the province and the retailer a year early. The agreement limited where and how much beer could be sold outside of the Beer Store in Ontario. The $225 million payment to the Beer Store will allow for the sale of beer and wine in more retail settings, including convenience stores, and will also allow for expanded quantity options above and beyond six-packs.
The payout will allow Premier Ford to achieve a 2022 campaign promise of bringing beer to convenience stores, which has led many political analysts to speculate that the Ford government may be considering calling a snap election in the coming months as the opposition parties struggle to gain traction. If recent history tells Ontarians anything, it is that when Doug Ford starts playing the politics of beer, an election can’t be too far away.
