NDP Defends Palestinian Flag in Campaign Flyer

The NDP is defending its candidate Craig Sauvé in the upcoming Montreal byelection after his campaign leaflet featuring a Palestinian flag sparked criticism from Jewish groups and Conservative politicians. The leaflet, which includes a message calling for an end to the 'genocide in Gaza,' has been labeled by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs as an attempt to import foreign conflict into Canada and as fueling antisemitism. In response, the NDP emphasized that Sauvé’s pamphlet also includes the Canadian Maple Leaf and that it is not un-Canadian to display flags from other nations. The byelection, set for September 16 in the Lasalle–Émard–Verdun riding, follows the departure of former Liberal Justice Minister David Lametti and is expected to be competitive. The NDP reiterated its support for a ceasefire and the protection of both Israeli and Palestinian lives amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has escalated since October 2023. Conservative MPs have publicly questioned the appropriateness of the Palestinian flag on a political leaflet, seeking clarification from NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.