June 17th, 2025
NDP calls for ceasefire in latest Iran-Israel conflict
Statement by Heather McPherson, NDP Critic for Foreign Affairs and for Defence:
“New Democrats are profoundly alarmed by the escalation in the Middle East. We condemn the illegal attack by Israel on Iran and we condemn reprisals by Iran against Israel. These brutal and heartless leaders are driving the Middle East into the abyss, and the people of the region will pay the ultimate price.
With reports that Trump may join the war tonight, we call on Mark Carney to demand an immediate ceasefire.
This crisis is of urgent relevance to many Canadians. Nearly 80,000 Canadians are currently registered with Global Affairs Canada in the Middle East, including approximately 3,500 Canadians in Iran and another 6,700 in Israel – and the actual number of Canadians in the region is likely even larger. With airports closed, many of these Canadians currently have no way to leave, and their loved ones in Canada are terrified.
The impact on civilians is already devastating. Doctors in Iranian hospitals are describing a “bloodbath”, with hundreds of civilians killed or wounded in Israeli airstrikes. Dozens of Israeli citizens have been killed and hundreds more have been injured by Iranian missiles. In Israel, while some civilians can find safety in bomb shelters, Palestinians do not have access to such protections.
And this escalation is happening while the genocide in Gaza continues. Today, Israeli troops again killed Palestinians waiting for aid trucks. Gaza’s health system is at a breaking point. And Canada continues to transfer military goods to Israel despite the ICJ advisory opinion, ICC warrants, and our obligations under the Genocide Convention.
New Democrats have always advocated for Canada to play a leading role in conflict prevention, nuclear disarmament, peacebuilding, and human rights. We have always called on Canada to uphold international law and protect civilians in every conflict. We have long condemned the brutal repression by Iranian leadership including the IRGC, who have tortured and murdered Iranians and sponsored terror. We have repeatedly called on Canada to sanction Netanyahu and his cabinet for inciting and committing genocide and other war crimes and to impose an arms embargo on Israel.
It is past time for Canada to stand up to the warmongers in Israel, Iran, and the United States who have no regard for humanity or for the sanctity of life.
As Mark Carney shakes hands with tyrants during the G7, New Democrats are urging him to understand the severity of this crisis and call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
No more complicity in this endless cycle of death and destruction.
Mark Carney must advocate for a ceasefire, now.”