Liberal MP Anthony Housefather has decided he will stay on as a Liberal MP following a period of reflection over the party’s support of a motion on Palestinian statehood.
“But I also know that my core values remain Liberal ones and after serious reflection, I believe my greatest value to Canadians is staying in caucus.”
Mr. Housefather was one of three Liberal MPs to vote against an amended NDP motion on March 18 calling for the recognition of Palestinian statehood. The watered-down motion from NDP MP Heather McPherson called for Canada to work with the international community to establish the “State of Palestine as part of a negotiated two-state solution.”
The updated motion also identified Hamas as a terrorist organization, called for the group to lay down its arms, and modified language about Canada banning the exports of all military goods and technology to Israel instead of ceasing all arms exports to the country.
The motion came as Israel continues its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which was ignited after a surprise attack by the terrorist group against Israel on Oct. 7 that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and hundreds of hostages being taken. Israel has been criticized by some countries for a high number of civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip. Hamas health officials claim that over 31,000 Palestinians have been killed.
A day following the vote, Mr. Housefather told reporters he had a “hard time” with the vote, calling the original motion “disturbing.” He said he would be taking “the time to reflect” on whether he would stay on as a parliamentary secretary and member of the party.
Advocate for ‘Centrist Classical Liberal Party’
In his press release, Mr. Housefather said he had heard from thousands of Canadians, including some from outside his riding, following the motion. He acknowledged that whatever decision he made would “make many people unhappy.”“Despite the strong feelings on either side, I have been very gratified though that so many recognized how difficult the decision was for me and how many of my constituents pledged to support me regardless of the decision that I made,” he said.
Mr. Housefather said despite the motion angering him and many other Jewish Canadians, he still believed his best place in government was within caucus where he could advocate for the “centrist classical Liberal Party that I believe in.”
The Liberal MP said the country needed to defend minority rights, support Canadian businesses, meet NATO targets by investing in a strong military, and spend within “its means” to ensure it has a balanced budget. He also said the rising issue of anti-Semitism needed to be “dealt with” and said he had conversations with Mr. Trudeau on ways to do so.
“The Prime Minister has asked me to work directly with him and the government in leading on addressing these critical matters,” Mr. Housefather said, adding that he would also work with Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism Deborah Lyons.
