The Senate
Point of Order
October 7, 2025
Point of order. I’m referring to Rule 6-13(1) that has to do with sharp and taxing language, and I really do find the use of the word “genocide,” this language, offensive.
I don’t think genocide has been established, and I find it particularly offensive on this day, when we are commemorating the grotesque murder of some 1,200 souls, including Canadians. I think it reflects badly on this chamber.
Are there other senators who want to intervene?
Your Honour, I’m just about to give the evidence for why a genocide has taken place, including a citation from the UN International Commission on Human Rights, which made its judgment only a month ago.
Are there other senators who want to intervene on this point of order?
If I may, Your Honour, I believe that today, we are commemorating a day that was sad and unacceptable, not only for all the Jews in the world, but also for all human beings on this planet. I move that the senator be allowed to continue his speech tomorrow if it has to do with any topic other than the tragic events of October 7.
Your Honour, I consider that a breach of my privilege. I’ve started my speech. I will, in the course of my speech, elaborate on the points that I’ve started on. I was just about to make the case that Senator Wallin has objected to.
If senators indulge me to allow me to continue this speech, they will see why this case is very strong and why we need to take this very seriously.
If I may, I just want to support what Senator Wallin and Senator Saint-Germain have stated — that this is a very significant day and we heard a statement about the horrors of October 7 two years ago. So out of my sincere respect for the Jewish community around the world and for those especially here in Canada, if Senator Woo would consider continuing the statement, which he has every right to do, tomorrow out of that respect that, I think, all of us share at this time.
Your Honour, I make this speech out of the deepest respect for the Jewish community. I have already stated very clearly how I condemn the horror of October 7, 2023, how I condemn the acts of violence against Jewish people in Canada and around the world.
I think it does a disservice to Jewish people to not allow this speech to continue on the grounds that some senators’ sensibilities may be offended. If the case you are arguing is there was no genocide, let that be debated in this chamber, and let me present the evidence for you to consider.
