Carney's Anti-Hate Initiatives Draw Criticism
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto several weeks ago, denouncing antisemitism and stating that, “Unity is not uniformity … our differences are strengths to be nurtured, not risks to be managed.” While such sentiments are familiar to Canadians, Conrad Black argues they fail to address the comprehensive defence of minorities, particularly the Jewish population. Carney touted Bill C-9, the Combating Hate Act, which Black says has raised more concerns about curtailing free expression than providing comfort to threatened minorities.
Black notes that the additional $75 million provided to the Canada Community Security Program, designed to strengthen defences of houses of worship, may be more useful. Carney assured, “Our government will always protect the inalienable right of the Jewish people to live openly in freedom, safety and dignity.” He also announced a ministerial advisory council on rights, equality and inclusion.
Advisory Council Composition Questioned
Black questions the effectiveness of the advisory council, noting its composition: the sole Jewish member is a retired Liberal senator, while others include an authority on supporting LGBT members of the Armed Forces, a former Olympic women’s speed skating champion, a Syrian-born former federal cabinet minister, a prominent Métis spokesperson, an academic of Iranian ancestry, and a lawyer of South Asian background specializing in underdog litigation. Black asserts such a group is unlikely to improve the lot of the Jewish community.
According to Carney, Jews are the subject of approximately two-thirds of religious hate crimes, despite being less than one per cent of Canadians. Black suggests Carney should also address a mosque, advising worshippers not to bring prejudices from their former nationalities. He criticizes elected officials for cowardly sluggishness in supporting minorities under attack.
Muslim Support for Iranian Opposition Highlights Nuance
Black points to a large outpouring of Muslim support for the opposition in Iran in Toronto months ago, estimated at around 350,000 people, which demonstrated absence of hostility toward Israel and support for Toronto police. He argues this proves febrile Judeophobia is a minority Muslim opinion. However, he contends many politicians, especially in western Europe, placate Islamists and give only lip service to threatened Jews due to vote-counting miscalculations.
