Foreign Minister Cites ‘Issues’ With NDP Motion on Palestinian Statehood but Doesn’t State Gov’t’s Position

Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly responds to questions from reporters in the Foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill after Question Period, in Ottawa on Feb. 29, 2024. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says foreign policy cannot be dictated by an Opposition motion, but she stopped short of clearly indicating whether her government will support the NDP’s attempt to have the House of Commons recognize a Palestinian state.

Ms. Joly spoke on the motion during her speech in the House on March 18, but she didn’t spell out how the government would vote. Her remarks led NDP and Conservative MPs to ask for clarification.