Controversy Erupts Over Liberal Candidate's Past Statements on Israel
Questions are mounting regarding the federal Liberal Party's decision to fast-track former NDP MPP Doly Begum as their candidate for the upcoming Toronto-area byelection in Scarborough Southwest. Begum recently announced her resignation from Queen's Park to seek the Liberal nomination, aiming to replace outgoing cabinet minister Bill Blair, who has been appointed Canada's new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Concerns Raised by Jewish Advocacy Group
Richard Marceau, senior vice president and general counsel with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), expressed significant concerns to the Toronto Sun regarding Begum's previous comments about Israel and the conflict in Gaza. Marceau highlighted her public criticism of Prime Minister Mark Carney's Israel policy, stating that it raises questions about the government's stance.
"Bill Blair was a friend of the Jewish community and worked hard to build relationships with the Jewish community — especially in the face of rising antisemitism — and now they're tapping Begum to take his place," Marceau said. "A woman who holds extreme views on Israel, who said Canada's government lacked moral backbone."
Begum's Controversial Remarks on Israel and Gaza
Begum has made several statements that have drawn criticism, including accusing Israel of conducting what she termed a "genocide" and amplifying debunked claims in a May 2025 social media post about Israeli aid blockades. In a September 2025 Instagram post, she referred to Canada's recognition of the State of Palestine as hypocritical, accusing Canada of complicity in alleged "war crimes" during Israel's self-defence operations in Gaza.
"To recognize Palestine while simultaneously supplying arms and supporting this carrying out atrocities is not only hypocritical, it is a betrayal of justice and a moral failure," Begum wrote.
Political Reactions and Values Debate
During a November 2025 speech at Queen's Park, Begum accused Israel of "weaponizing" the October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attacks to justify genocide and labeled Canada as part of a "far-right coalition" led by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Deputy Conservative Leader Melissa Lantsman responded by stating that the issue reflects a values problem within the Liberal Party.
"The Liberals don't have a candidate problem, I think in this case they have a values problem," Lantsman told the Sun. "Embracing someone who has repeatedly labelled Israel's existence and self-defence as what she quotes as 'genocide.' That tells you everything you need to know."
Liberal Party and Begum's Response
In response to inquiries, the federal Liberals have stood by Begum as their candidate, emphasizing her electoral success in Scarborough. A party statement read, "Doly Begum has earned the trust of Scarborough voters in three provincial elections, and is ready to work with Mark Carney and our new Liberal team to build a better future for Scarborough Southwest and all Canadians."
Begum issued a statement expressing inspiration from Carney's vision for Canada, acknowledging past concerns over Gaza while praising the government's strengthened engagement and humanitarian aid efforts. "I will always use my voice to call for decisive, principled action in the region, while recognising the important role of coordinated multilateral efforts to deliver necessary change," she stated.
This candidacy has ignited a broader discussion about political alignment, candidate vetting, and the implications of past statements on current electoral strategies in Canadian federal politics.
