McGill student union cancels meeting with Anthony Housefather over views on Israel-Hamas war
Liberal MP Anthony Housefather is speaking out after the Students' Society of McGill University (SSMU) cancelled a meeting with him at the last minute because of his views on the Israel-Hamas war.
Housefather and the SSMU were set to discuss student funding in the face of tuition hikes from the Quebec government. But the student union cancelled an hour and a half before Tuesday's meeting.
"I have never had a group cancel a meeting because they don't agree with my perspective on an issue that has nothing to do with the issues that we were meeting about, and hadn't changed from the time that they asked for the meeting," Housefather told CTV News on Wednesday.
Last week, in an email, the SSMU asked to meet with Housefather to discuss support for international students, student housing, mental health services and student financial aid.
"I am a huge advocate for English-speaking institutions in Quebec," said Housefather, the MP for Mount Royal. "I have been at the forefront of pushing on the Quebec government's decision to increase the rates of out-of-province students that will harm our English universities."
But the SSMU cancelled Tuesday, citing Housefather's "outspoken support for the Israeli state."
"It is the responsibility of public officials to uphold notions of democracy, peace and justice through thick and thin," the email, obtained by CTV News, reads. "We demand Mr. Housefather show these values once again."
Housefather has spoken out against Canada's decision to join a United Nations resolution calling for a ceasefire in the conflict. He has also rejected claims by South Africa that Israel is committing genocide.
The SSMU did not respond to a request for comment from CTV News.
Former Canadian senator and journalist Joan Fraser believes the students made a "bad mistake" in refusing to meet with Housefather.
"I wouldn't have [the right] to demand of any elected representative that they take a specific position. I can urge them to do so. I can urge them strongly to do what I would believe is right, but I can't demand of them," she said in an interview.
"I think they did do a disservice to their members and to the university at large, and to the community at large."
Housefather pointed out that the meeting had nothing to do with the Israel-Hamas war.
"It has nothing to do with the Middle East. And again, the idea that we are letting different perspectives on a foreign war defocus us from issues that directly affect students and to take away a meeting with the person who's probably one of their biggest advocates," he said. "It really is bizarre to me."
The MP said he's still willing to meet with the SSMU and hopes they will reconsider.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
BREAKING Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Person charged in random assault on actor Steve Buscemi in New York
A person wanted in connection with the random assault on actor Steve Buscemi on a New York City street earlier this month was taken into custody Friday, police said.