Canada must reinforce peace, order and good government for Jewish citizens

In a recent commentary the writer contends that Canada’s constitutional promise of peace, order and good government is not being upheld for Jewish Canadians, who face harassment, hate-filled protests, and violent attacks on synagogues, schools and businesses. He references the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks as a catalyst for a wave of antisemitism, noting that Jewish federal workers experience discrimination at twice the rate of other groups.

The piece highlights Prime Minister Mark Carney’s June speech in Toronto’s Holy Blossom Temple, where he warned that the civic compact is failing Jewish citizens. The author praises constables Jeff Smith and Michael McCurdy for averting a mass-casualty attack in Belleville, Ontario, and cites new measures such as Ontario’s anti-racism directive, a Justice Ministry progress report that defines antisemitism to include anti-Zionism, and university initiatives to enforce anti-hate policies. While acknowledging these steps, the column urges stronger, consistent enforcement across all levels of government and institutions to protect Jewish Canadians and preserve national cohesion.