A political tremor is running through Ottawa as questions mount over the Liberal party’s swift selection of Doly Begum as their candidate in an upcoming Toronto-area byelection. Begum, a former NDP Member of Provincial Parliament, recently resigned her seat to seek the position left vacant by the departure of veteran cabinet minister Bill Blair, now Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
The decision has ignited controversy, drawing sharp criticism from those concerned about Begum’s past statements regarding Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Concerns center on accusations of inflammatory rhetoric and the amplification of unsubstantiated claims.
Richard Marceau, a senior official with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, voiced significant apprehension. He highlighted Begum’s past criticisms of Canadian policy and her accusations that the government lacked “moral backbone” in its approach to the region. This raises fundamental questions about the direction of the current administration.
Specifically, Begum has publicly accused Israel of “genocide” and disseminated debunked claims regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including a widely discredited assertion about a catastrophic number of infant deaths. These statements, made on social media, have fueled the debate surrounding her candidacy.
Her criticisms weren’t limited to Israel’s actions. Begum also condemned Canada’s recognition of the State of Palestine as a “hypocritical” gesture, accusing the nation of complicity in alleged “war crimes” during Israel’s defensive operations. She argued that providing arms while acknowledging Palestinian statehood represented a profound betrayal of justice.
During a speech at Queen’s Park, Begum went further, alleging that Israel “weaponized” the October 7th Hamas attacks to justify its actions. She accused Canada of aligning with a “far-right coalition” led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding an immediate arms embargo and sanctions.
The Conservative party has seized on these statements, framing the issue as a matter of core values. Deputy Conservative Leader Melissa Lantsman argued that the Liberals’ embrace of Begum signals a troubling shift in their own principles, particularly regarding Israel’s right to self-defense.
In response, the Liberal party has offered unwavering support for Begum, emphasizing her established trust with voters in Scarborough Southwest. They assert she is prepared to collaborate with the new administration and contribute to a better future for the region and all Canadians.
Begum herself has expressed admiration for the current leadership, stating she is “inspired” by their vision for Canada. She acknowledged past frustrations with the pace of governmental action regarding Gaza, but now believes the administration is demonstrating strengthened engagement and meaningful humanitarian aid.
She maintains she will continue to advocate for decisive action in the region, while also recognizing the importance of coordinated international efforts to achieve lasting peace. The controversy, however, continues to resonate, casting a shadow over the upcoming byelection and prompting a national conversation about values and foreign policy.
