NDP's Gaza stance to be put to test

Next week's Montreal byelection will see voters weigh in on party's support for Palestinian rights

- RAISA PATEL

MONTREAL The front window of the NDP's campaign office in LaSalle—Émard—Verdun features a small selection of flags.

Some represent countries, like Ukraine and Sudan, that are currently mired in conflict. Others represent Indigenous rights and LGBTQ causes.

The Palestinian flag, the largest of the set, is affixed above them all.

The NDP's position on the war in Gaza was always going to be risky. And in a south Montreal byelection, it will soon be put to the test.

It's no secret that Jagmeet Singh's New Democrats have drawn praise and condemnation — from those outside the orange tent and, in some cases, within it — for their decision to align themselves with the Palestinian cause.

Like the Liberals, the NDP has sought to acknowledge two realities: it has denounced antisemitism, condemned Hamas's "horrifying" Oct. 7 attacks, and frequently called for the safe release of all Israeli hostages.

But unlike other major federal parties, the New Democrats have become the primary political voice for Palestinian rights, calling on Canada to recognize a Palestinian state, suggesting Israel's retaliatory bombardment could one day be termed a "genocide," and allowing MPs to don kaffiyehs in solidarity.

Voters will grapple with those positions at the ballot box next Monday, where the NDP have mounted a hard campaign to unseat the incumbent Liberals in LaSalle—Émard—Verdun.

And with the help of Canada's Muslim community, those efforts could pay off.

"They felt that the Liberal party is currently weak enough that they can make a strong message by being involved," said a source with direct knowledge of the Muslim community's efforts to drum up support for the NDP ahead of the Sept. 16 vote.

"And that message is, 'Look, you cannot take us for granted,'" added the source, who spoke to the Star on the condition they not be named.