Posted by John Rustad
September 20, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

John Rustad Announces Comprehensive Antisemitism Strategy to Protect BC’s Jewish Community and Hold Institutions Accountable

“Antisemitism is a scourge that has no place in British Columbia or anywhere in the world,” said Rustad. “It is long past time for concrete action. This strategy is not just about standing with the Jewish community; it’s about ensuring the security, safety, and respect of all British Columbians in the face of hatred.” - John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

September 20th, Vancouver, BC: Today, on the anniversary of the death of the legendary holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal, John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, announced a bold and decisive strategy to combat the growing wave of antisemitism in the province. This comprehensive plan, aimed at ensuring the safety and dignity of Jewish British Columbians, will be at the forefront of the Conservative agenda from day one in government—or in opposition.

“Antisemitism is a scourge that has no place in British Columbia or anywhere in the world,” said Rustad. “It is long past time for concrete action. This strategy is not just about standing with the Jewish community; it’s about ensuring the security, safety, and respect of all British Columbians in the face of hatred.”

The Conservative Party of British Columbia will introduce the following measures:

  1. Bring a Vote on the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism to the Floor on Day One – Whether as part of the government or Official Opposition, the Conservative Party will immediately bring the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism to the floor for a vote. “We will force the NDP and BC Liberals to show where they stand on this critical issue of defining and condemning antisemitism once and for all,” said Rustad.
  2. Link Funding for BC Universities to Upholding Student Safety – Universities must be held accountable for the safety of all their students, including Jewish students. Provincial funding will be tied directly to ensuring universities protect their students from antisemitic harassment and violence on campus. “Institutions that fail to protect students from hate will not receive a penny more of taxpayer money,” Rustad declared.
  3. Launch a Full Investigation into Samidoun – The operations of Samidoun, a group with known ties to extremism, will be thoroughly investigated. “We cannot allow organizations with extremist views to operate freely in our province, spreading hatred and inciting violence,” Rustad added.
  4. Increase Provincial Funding Commitment to the JWest Project – The Conservative Party will increase the provincial government’s commitment to the JWest project, a cultural and community hub for BC’s Jewish population. “This project represents the future of Jewish life in BC, and we are committed to seeing it thrive,” Rustad said.
  5. Creation of a Special Advisor on Antisemitism and Jewish Community Affairs – A dedicated Special Advisor will be appointed to monitor and combat antisemitism. This Special Advisor will liaise with law enforcement, educational institutions, and communities to implement strategies to fight antisemitism at every level and will work with the Premier in the Premier’s Office.
  6. Long-Term Financial Commitment to Increased Community Security – Rustad committed to a long-term funding plan for community security, ensuring Jewish institutions, synagogues, schools, and cultural centers have the resources they need to keep their members safe. “No Jewish person in BC should have to fear for their safety while going to pray, learn, or gather in community,” said Rustad.
  7. Mandatory Antisemitism Training for Law Enforcement and Politicians – In collaboration with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, mandatory training on antisemitism will be implemented for all law enforcement officers and politicians. “Our leaders and those charged with protecting us need to understand the depths of antisemitism and be equipped to root it out,” Rustad emphasized.
  8. Inquiry into the Conduct of the BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) and Directive on Israel-Palestine Guide – Rustad announced an immediate inquiry into the BC Teachers’ Federation’s role in pushing biased materials that promote one-sided views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. A directive will be issued from the Ministry of Education to cease the use of the current Israel-Palestine teachers guide. “There is no place for political indoctrination in our classrooms, and the safety and dignity of Jewish students must be protected at all times,” Rustad said.

As part of this strategy, the Conservative Party will engage in ongoing consultation with key stakeholders in the Jewish community, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, B’nai Brith Canada, Hillel BC, and other organizations dedicated to combating antisemitism and promoting education.

“Our strategy is not about words, it’s about action. We are consulting with the experts in our Jewish community who have been on the frontlines of this fight for years,” said Rustad. “This is a fight for the soul of our province, and I will not stand idly by while hate takes root. We are committed to making BC a place where Jewish people—and all people—can live freely, without fear of persecution or discrimination. This plan is how we get there. The Conservative Party of British Columbia will always stand up for free speech, but that goes hand in hand with calling out hatred, bigotry and antisemitism wherever and whenever it occurs.”

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For more information, please contact [email protected].