P.C. MPP wants Israeli Apartheid Week condemned by Ontario Legislature
Queen?s Park ? Today Peter Shurman, M.P.P. (Thornhill) asked all Members of the Ontario Legislative Assembly to join him in condemning Israeli Apartheid Week.
?The term ?apartheid? belongs in the same category as such terrifying words such as genocide. Neither should be used carelessly, otherwise they will become meaningless and their true victims will be forgotten,? Shurman said in a statement today in the Ontario Legislature.
Shurman also stated that while there is room to debate Israeli policies, those discussions should be based on facts and should not include terminology that demonizes opposing points of view.
?As Canadians we have a strong track record on protecting human rights. We were a leading voice advocating for the end of apartheid rule in South Africa. That was a true apartheid regime that stripped its people of what we consider to be fundamental rights of citizenship. To refer to Israel as an apartheid state is an insult to the struggles of those who suffered apartheid in South Africa,? Shurman added.
Shurman?s statement in the Legislature today reflected the position of the entire Progressive Conservative Caucus.
"The PC Party is proud of Ontario?s diversity," said PC Leader John Tory. "We have proudly stood strong against evils against humanity, like apartheid in South Africa, just as we have stood by democratic nations including Israel. We will continue to do so."
To view Peter Shurman?s statement on Israeli Apartheid Week, please visit: www.petershurman.com.
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For more information please contact:
Monika Bujalska, Executive Assistant
Office of Peter Shurman, M.P.P.-Thornhill
Tel. 416-325-1415
E-mail: peter.shurman@pc.ola.org