NDP defends Montreal byelection flyer with Palestinian flag, ‘genocide’ accusation

MONTREAL — The NDP is defending its candidate in a Montreal federal byelection after a campaign flyer featuring the Palestinian flag and accusations of “genocide” in the Gaza Strip has drawn criticism from political opponents and a Jewish group.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs says the leaflet for LaSalle—Émard—Verdun candidate Craig Sauvé fuels antisemitism and shows the NDP has turned its back on Canadian values.

In the image posted online by CIJA, Sauvé is photographed with a backdrop of the Palestinian flag with a message urging voters to cast their ballot for him on Sept. 16 “to stop the genocide in Gaza.”

The NDP responded by saying Sauvé “included a Maple Leaf on the leaflet in question.”