Stephen Ellis is a Barrister and Solicitor and a senior activist with the Canadian BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement who participates in anti-Israel demonstrations including Al-Quds Day Rally.
On February 5, 2021 Stephen Ellis posted on Facebook:
The Thornhill NDP [The New Democratic Party in the riding of Thornhill. Ontario] just passed the following re Palestine and BDS [Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions]
Whereas millions of Palestinians face indignities and injustice from the State of Israel every day, and
whereas, when the 2015 NDP federal election campaign blocked or removed NDP candidates who simply mentioned Israeli state crimes against Palestinians, it was a gross disservice to social justice;
Therefore, Be It Resolved that the NDP actively campaign in support of the demand of Palestinian unions, civil society, and unions across Canada and around the world for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the Israeli state until it dismantles the apartheid wall, allows refugees to return home, ends its demolition of Palestinian homes and olive groves, lifts the siege of Gaza, ends its occupation of Palestinian lands, and terminates its apartheid practices. [source]
The Thornhill NDP just passed the following on the IHRA:
International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)
definition of Anti-Semitism
Whereas the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism and its examples have been used to silence criticism, including that of NDP caucus members, of serious violations of Palestinian human rights and International law by Israel;
and Whereas we strongly oppose anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hatred and intolerance;
Therefore, Be It Resolved that while strongly and unequivocally condemning anti-Semitism, the NDP oppose the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, including its examples of Anti-Semitism, which the Israel lobby is using to silence critics of Israel’s flagrant and grave violation of Palestinian human rights. [source]
On February 5, 2021 Sid Ryan, the former President (2009 -2015) of Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and Canadian Union of Public Employees, posted on Facebook:
More than a dozen NDP Riding Associations (EDAs) have passed a resolution opposing the IHRA definition of anti Semitism which has been weaponised by the Israeli lobby to brand supporters of Palestine and critics of Israel as anti Semites. If your Riding Association has passed this resolution which has been circulated by former NDP MPs Libby Davis and Svend Robinson please let me know in the comments section. So far I am aware of the following:
EDAs
Oshawa,
University Rosedale
Etobicoke Lakeshore
Burnaby North- Seymour
Vancouver East
Winnipeg Centre
Parkdale High Park
Oxford
Thornhill
Parry Sound/ Muskoka
York- Simcoe
London North Centre
Huron Bruce
Glengarry Prescott Russell
York Centre
Quebec Young New Democrats
Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam
UNions
CUPE Ontario
CUPE BC
OFL
Hamilton and District Labour Council
Durham Regional Labour Council
According to comments on this post, other NDP Riding Associations (EDAs) endorsed a similar resolution including PS/M, York – Simcoe, London North Centre, Huron Bruce, Glengarry-Prescott-Russell, Hamilton and District Labour Council.