Assembly Vote
20th Assembly, 1st SessionFebruary 29, 2024
Motion Sponsor
Topic
Motion Text
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
WHEREAS the Northwest Territories is made up of many residents with family members and other ties to Palestine, Israel, and the broader Middle East, and attacks on civilians, human rights violations, anti-semitic violence, and violent dehumanization towards all Israelis and Palestinians have lasting consequences that reverberate around the world, including in Northwest Territories communities;
AND WHEREAS the Northwest Territories has committed itself to upholding international human rights as declared by the United Nations;
AND WHEREAS the International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel's actions in Gaza 'could plausibly amount to genocide' and for Israel to 'take all measures in its power' to prevent all acts that could be against the Genocide Convention;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Member for Yellowknife North, that this Legislative Assembly condemn all acts of anti-semitism and anti-Palestinian racism in our territory;
AND FURTHER, that this Legislative Assembly calls upon the Premier to write a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly, and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations Bob Rae, that will call upon the Canadian Government to:
- call for an immediate and effective ceasefire and halt to violence by both Israel and Hamas;
- advocate for the immediate release of all hostages;
- advocate for and provide funds for unhindered access for humanitarian aid for all those in need in Gaza; and,
- take all actions necessary to fully uphold its obligations under the Genocide Convention;
AND FURTHERMORE, that Northwest Territories Member of Parliament, Michael McLeod, receive a copy of this letter;
AND FURTHERMORE, that the Government of the Northwest Territories provide a response to this motion within 120 days.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.