QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Anti-Semitism
April 22, 2026
Senator Moreau, we are learning of yet another pro-terror event that was held at a federally funded community centre in Montreal. Anti‑Semitic and extremist remarks were made, glorifying acts of violence and torture. The event was organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement and is linked to designated terrorist groups, such as Samidoun and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. This raises serious questions about how taxpayer money is being managed. How does your government justify using federal funds to provide a platform for anti-Semitism and the glorification of terrorism?
Senator Housakos, I must strongly disagree with the assertion that Canada is encouraging anti-Semitism. That part of the question is nonsense. The government believes that there is no place for anti-Semitism in Canada. In fact, through the Canada Community Security Program, the government has increased the budget by $10 million, specifically for projects for places of worship and for Jewish communities, including schools, community centres and synagogues. Stop saying that the government is encouraging anti-Semitism. First, it is not true, and second, it goes against Canadian values. We believe that Canada is no place for anti-Semitism, nor is it a place for any other form of hate or detestation.
We are currently studying Bill C-9, along with Senator Wells, precisely to prevent —
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
Senator Moreau, acts of anti-Semitism are reaching record levels in Canada. We need to react quickly. The Jewish community warned the federal ministers of immigration and Canadian identity, but no action has been taken on these cases. Why should Canadians believe that the government takes anti-Semitism seriously or that it will act on the Senate report when our Jewish community is raising the alarm and being ignored? It’s good that the Senate did its job properly on this issue—
Thank you, Senator Housakos.
Senator Housakos, the Minister of Public Safety was here yesterday. You said that it was understandable that he had not yet read the report since it was only released yesterday morning. The minister had the report in hand and promised to review it. We need to put things in perspective. We are currently working on a very important bill, Bill C-9, which seeks to directly respond to this type of situation. That is a firm commitment from the government. I would encourage all senators to work to quickly pass and implement Bill C-9.
