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Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Jewish union members file human rights complaint against CUPE, alleging antisemitism

By
Noah Jarvis
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Jewish members of an Ontario public sector are pushing back against what they see as antisemitism and systemic discrimination in the leadership.

Twenty-five Jewish members of CUPE Ontario have filed a human rights complaint against the union and its president, Fred Hahn.

The complaint, filed by lawyer Kathryn Marshall, comes in the wake of remarks Hahn made after Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack against Israel, seemingly praising it as “resistance.” 

Among the points of contention, union members took issue with Hahn’s post on X (formerly Twitter) in which he expressed gratitude for the “power of resistance around the globe.” 

The complaint also alleges that Hahn posted a picture to Instagram parroting the chant “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” an inflammatory chant calling for the elimination of the state of Israel and its citizens from the Jordan river to the Mediterranean Sea. 

The complaint also addresses CUPE 3906’s now-deleted X post praising Hamas’ attack against Israeli civilians on October 7.

“In posting these comments, the Respondents were celebrating the murder and rape of Jewish children and civilians, calling it justified and promoting violence and discrimination against Jewish people,” reads the complaint.

In a comment to True North, Hahn said he has not seen a copy of the complaint, but affirmed CUPE Ontario’s commitment to human rights.

“CUPE Ontario hasn’t seen the complaint and therefore can’t speak to the allegations made,” said Hahn.

“However, our union understands the fundamental importance of human rights and we take these matters very seriously. We firmly believe there has been no violation of Ontario’s Human Rights Code and in any forum we will be happy to stand on our record of fighting discrimination and oppression in all their forms.”

Beyond CUPE Ontario’s comments expressing solidarity for Hamas’ attack on Israelis, the complaint also alleges a “long pattern” of hostility towards Jewish members of the union.

Hahn is alleged to have told Jewish members that he doesn’t believe Jewish people should live in Israel and that Jews “stole” the land from Palestinians. 

The allegations have not been tested in court or a tribunal.

Meanwhile, CUPE Ontario is alleged to have deliberately excluded any education about Jewish people or antisemitism in policies and documents despite Jewish union members having raised the problem with the union repeatedly. 

Five policy resolutions that CUPE had passed were deemed to be antisemitic, including a resolution accusing Israel of “illegally occupying” Palestinian land, one firmly opposing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, and a one supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction movement against Israel.

The complaint also alleges that CUPE Ontario held a seminar titled “Solidarity with Palestinian People and Workers and the BDS Movement” in which Hahn gave remarks in support of the resolution that called on the Canadian government to exert pressure on Israel and support the BDS movement.

Among the other instances of alleged antisemitism, the complaint lists the promotion of misinformation about Israel and Jewish people in an effort to spread antisemitism, a failure to address antisemitism against Jewish union members, and silencing Jewish union members at a CUPE Ontario convention.

The complainants say that the CUPE Ontario has made them feel “isolated, unwelcome, scared,

silenced, discriminated against, threatened and harassed.” These complaints were allegedly expressed to president Hahn on numerous occasions but no reprieve was given. 

Tucker Carlson to appear at Calgary event with Danielle Smith

By
Cosmin Dzsurdzsa
-

Less than a year after making headlines for calling to “liberate Canada,” Tucker Carlson is coming here.

The former Fox News primetime personality, who now hosts a show on X (formerly Twitter), will be appearing on stage at Calgary’s Telus Convention Centre Jan. 24, joined by former Dragons’ Den star Brett Wilson and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. 

Everyone who donates to True North before the end of 2023 will be automatically entered into a draw to win a pair of FREE tickets!

Donate today to be automatically entered!

TP Events organizer Christian Darbyshire said Carlson is a big personality who always draws big crowds.

“We are excited to produce Tucker Carlson’s Calgary show. Tucker Carlson has become huge in pop culture and draws massive crowds wherever he goes,” Darbyshire told True North.  

“His show on X garners tens of millions and sometimes hundreds of millions of views. Calgary will be an exciting addition for all his fans.”

Other A-list speakers hosted by TP Events include former US presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. The company has also hosted an event with former UK prime minister Tony Blair and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin.

Other speakers include Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Stephen Hawking. 

The lunch event will feature remarks by Carlson followed by a Q&A with him and Wilson and then a conversation between him and Smith.

More information can be found here.

Carlson has been highly critical of  Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Carlson took issue with Trudeau’s statement that high vaccination rates would not guarantee an end to lockdowns. 

“The leader of Canada just explained on television that according to the science, the vaccine doesn’t stop Covid. Either the coronavirus shot works or it doesn’t, but the shot cannot be simultaneously highly effective, but not restore peoples’ lives to normal; that doesn’t make sense,” said Carlson. 

While at Fox News, Carlson was also critical of the Trudeau government’s handling of the Freedom Convoy and how it ignored the various arson attacks against Canadian churches. 

“All of a sudden, Canada looks a lot like the Soviet Union. Seems like we’re exaggerating a little bit but [leftist groups] are burning Catholic and Anglican churches in recent days,” Carlson said.

In April, Carlson released a documentary satirically questioning whether the United States should “liberate” Canada from tyranny as it did Iraq and Libya.

Smith touts support for parental rights at UCP AGM but stops short of promising legislation

By
Isaac Lamoureux
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Source: Facebook

Premier Danielle Smith got a standing ovation for her nod to parental rights in a speech to supporters, though isn’t prepared to commit to offering up any new legislation.

At the United Conservative Party’s annual general meeting Saturday, Smith was clear in her commitment to parents.

“Regardless of how often the extreme left undermines the role of parents, I want you to know that parental rights and choice in your child’s education is and will continue to be a fundamental core principle of this party, and this government, and we will never apologize for it,” said Smith. “Parents are the primary caregivers and educators of their children.”

Even so, she refrained from committing to new legislation that would echo recent moves by Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.

The meeting, hosted at the BMO Centre in Calgary, witnessed an unprecedented turnout with nearly 3,800 delegates, making it the largest provincial party AGM in Alberta’s 118-year history and potentially the largest in Canadian history, Smith said. 

Speaking to reporters after her speech, Smith explained that Alberta already has parental rights embedded in the Education Act, allowing parents to opt their children out of matters that cover sexuality and religion. Anything further would require buy-in from her caucus and the province.

“We have to take that back as a caucus discussion and then also consult Albertans as a whole,” she said.

Reflecting on the broader implications of parental involvement, Smith added, “We cannot have a successful province or a successful society without strong and nurturing families.” 

At the meeting, members adopted a policy requiring teachers, schools, and school boards obtain written consent from parents prior to changing the name and/or pronouns used by a student—the policy passed by a large margin.

This policy was one of thirty debated and voted upon at the gathering.

Although members voted in favour of this resolution, this endorsement is non-binding on the government.

However, Smith said that knowing where grassroots members stand is an important part of the policy development process for her government. 

Ratio’d | Don Cherry was right about the poppy

By
Harrison Faulkner
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In 2019, Don Cherry was fired by Rogers and the CBC for saying publicly what so many Canadians know to be true but don’t have the courage to say publicly — fewer people in Canada’s large cities wear the poppy during the Remembrance period. Further, too many in this country take our freedoms for granted and don’t even pay a few dollars once a year to honour those who gave their lives for this country.

Hockey Night in Canada, once Canada’s flagship television program, is now a complete woke disaster on a regular basis, with Ron Maclean constantly lecturing Canadians about “white privilege” and “systemic racism” in hockey.

On the latest episode of Ratio’d, Harrison Faulkner looks back on some of Grapes’ greatest hits.

Plus, a preview of a special Remembrance Day episode of Ratio’d!

Conservative motion to extend carbon tax pause foiled by Liberals, Bloc

By
Cosmin Dzsurdzsa
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Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s motion to extend the carbon tax exemption to all forms of home heating was defeated in the House of Commons on Monday, despite unexpected support from the NDP. 

The motion, which aimed to end the government’s announced “temporary, three-year pause” on the federal carbon tax for home heating oil, failed to secure enough votes for passage. The final vote count had 186 MPs opposed and 135 in support. 

The motion read: “That, given the government has announced a ‘temporary, three-year pause’ to the federal carbon tax on home heating oil, the House call on the government to end that pause to all forms of heating.”

It wouldn’t have been binding on the federal government.

In a surprising turn of events last week, the NDP announced it would side with the Conservatives by supporting the motion. However, Liberal and Bloc Quebecois MPs voted against it, ultimately leading to its defeat.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has remained resolute in his opposition to further exemptions on the carbon tax, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating climate change. 

Trudeau argued that expanding exemptions would hinder the nation’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, though critics have accused him of pandering politically to Atlantic Canada – a Liberal stronghold. 

Despite the motion’s failure, the issue remains a problem for the Trudeau government, with pressure growing from provincial and territorial premiers. 

On the same day as the vote, provincial and territorial leaders gathered in Halifax to address growing concerns regarding the federal government’s selective approach to the carbon tax. 

The leaders issued a unanimous call for fairness in ensuring that all provinces are treated equitably.

“All this is doing is causing unfairness, making life unaffordable, and really harming the most vulnerable going into the winter season,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said at a press conference on Monday.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe criticized the Liberal government’s stance on the issue. Moe suggested that the motion’s defeat harmed the unity of Canada. 

“The motion to extend the home heating exemption and carbon tax fairness to all Canadians was defeated because the Liberal government was supported by the Bloc Québécois – a party that wants to break up Canada. That explains a lot about the state of our country under Trudeau,” said Moe.

Yes to bodily autonomy, free speech, parental rights – no to DEI: A look at UCP policy resolutions

By
Andrew Lawton
-

Alberta conservatives have put wokeness in their crosshairs with a host of red meat policy resolutions adopted at the United Conservative Party convention.

A record-setting 3,800 members signed up for the two-day annual general meeting, at which Premier Danielle Smith delivered the keynote speech.

Many of the 29 policy resolutions endorsed by UCP members touch on key culture war issues – gender, free speech, and affirmative action.

It was clear pandemic policy was looming large, with delegates endorsing a policy to protect the right of medical practitioners to “research, speak and write” without the threat of suspension of their medical license and also to protect doctors who wish to prescribe drugs off-label “using their best discretion,” a nod to physicians who’ve been sanctioned by regulatory colleges throughout the Covid era.

Other resolutions included one to “protect an individual’s right to informed consent decisions regarding their own body” and to protect privacy and confidentiality of health information.

The policies passed by UCP members are now part of the party’s official policy declaration.

While these policies are not binding on the UCP government, Smith has said knowing where the members are is an important part of the policy development process, along with caucus deliberations and consultations with Albertans as a whole.

Most of the motions passed by significant margins, though there was still debate.

A black delegate warned that a resolution to “ban post-secondary institutions from using race as a factor in any admissions program or procedure” made the party seem “anti-black or anti-BIPOC.”

In reply, a Metis delegate got large applause for saying he would “rather be recognized for my hard work and perseverance” than for his race. The resolution passed decisively – as did a subsequent resolution to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion offices from publicly funded universities and colleges.

“This is knocking the knees out of the woke, brainwashing infrastructure,” the resolution’s sponsor said.

A resolution advocating for parental consent for students under 16 to change their name, gender, and pronouns in school, passed by a large margin. Smith has not yet committed to enacting this policy, though she did receive a standing ovation during her speech that “parents are the primary caregivers and educators of their children.”

A resolution supporting a “bill of parental rights” also passed, along with a resolution seeking to ensure inmates are jailed based on biological sex rather than self-determined gender identity.

UCP members also voted to protect the right to use cash over digital currency, protect conscience rights as the federal government expands its assisted dying criteria, and to prohibit development projects that would “restrict movement of residents.”

Some ‘no’ votes came from people who didn’t think policy resolutions went far enough.

A resolution to ban electronic voting machines and tabulators in provincial elections passed, though former member of parliament Rob Anders spoke in opposition to it because it didn’t include municipal elections.

Only one of the thirty proposed resolutions was struck down. A resolution supporting school vouchers was rejected, in part over concerns from members that it didn’t adequately protect parents who homeschool their children.

Premiers united in opposition to Trudeau’s selective carbon tax approach

By
Cosmin Dzsurdzsa
-

Canada’s provincial and territorial leaders gathered in Halifax to address growing concerns about the federal government’s selective approach to the carbon tax, with a unanimous call for fairness to ensure all provinces are treated equitably.

Premiers from across the nation expressed apprehension over what they view as unequal treatment of Canadians after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a temporary exemption to the federal levy for home heating oil. 

The exemption mainly benefits Atlantic Canadians, who typically elect Liberal MPs. 

“All this is doing is causing unfairness, making life unaffordable, and really harming the most vulnerable going into the winter season,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said at a press conference Monday.

Eastern premiers were also on the same page as their western counterparts, expressing concern that the carbon tax was further dividing the country and harming unity. 

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston highlighted the need for fairness and called on Ottawa to ditch the carbon tax completely. 

“All Canadians have to heat their homes so I’m sympathetic to the discussion,” he said. “I understand the concerns of my colleagues and I would ask that the federal government address those concerns in a meaningful way that’s fair but ultimately I think they should just get rid of the carbon tax and work with the provinces on something that would actually help to preserve our planet.”

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also blasted the federal government for their preferential application of the federal levy. 

“The issue isn’t the policy; it’s how the policy is being applied. Up until now, it largely has been somewhat fairly applied, but I don’t think anyone can say that today,” said Moe. 

“We have said that if the federal government isn’t going to extend that carbon tax pause to other forms of heating, we will extend that pause to folks who use natural gas.”

According to newly elected Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, all governments need to have a united approach to tackling climate change, however, the federal carbon tax is an unrealistic approach given the state of the economy.

“The carbon tax is not a silver bullet… The reality is this during this inflationary moment. Right now, people are suffering,” said Kinew.  

“We do think there should be similar consideration given to the people of Manitoba to get us through this period of economic pain.”

Despite these concerns, Trudeau has not convened a full in-person First Ministers’ Meeting since December 2018, although Premiers have made repeated requests. The premiers reiterated their call for a First Ministers’ Meeting to discuss competitiveness and strategic infrastructure.

The premiers also raised concerns about healthcare, infrastructure and the economy at large. 

India raises alarm after Canadian-based Sikh leader threatens Air India flights

By
Quinn Patrick
-

Canada’s diplomatic fallout with India is flaring up again after a prominent leader of the Sikh separatist movement told Sikhs not to travel on Air India flights due to potentially life-threatening consequences. 

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an outspoken Khalistani leader based in Canada released a video wherein he repeated multiple threats to those who will be traveling on Air India flights on November 19. 

“We are asking the Sikh people to not fly via Air India on 19 November. There will be a global blockade. Do not travel by Air India or your life will be in danger,” said Pannun. “It is my warning to the government of India.” 

Designated as a terrorist by the Indian government, Pannun was rumoured to have been killed in a car accident in the US prior to the video’s release.

Pannun also claimed that the New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport would be shut down on November 19 and demanded its name be changed.

November 19 is also the date of the final match in the international men’s cricket World Cup, which is being hosted in India. 

“It is the same day on which the final match of the World Terror [sic] Cup will be played. It will be shown to the world that a genocide of Sikhs happened in India and India did it. When we liberate Punjab, the name of these airports will be Shahid Beant Singh and Shahid Satwant Singh airport,” said Mr Pannun.

The names mentioned by Pannun were the two separatist leaders who assassinated India’s former prime minister Indira Gandhi in October 1984.

Indian officials have said that they plan to discuss the threat with Canadian authorities.  

“We shall take up the threat against Air India flights originating from and terminating in Canada, with the concerned Canadian authorities,” said Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s high commissioner to Canada.

“We have studied the contents of the video, which is in clear violation of the Chicago Convention, which lays out a framework for international civil aviation operations. Canada and India, among many other nations, are parties to the convention.”

Verma said that India and Canada must collaborate to prevent such threats under the bilateral civil aviation agreement. 

Pannun’s threats to target Air India flights are reminiscent of the June 1985 terrorist attack that was carried out by Khalistani separatists, killing 329 passengers aboard Air India flight 182. 

In an interview with the Globe and Mail, Verma recently said that the Canadian police probe into the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar was damaged by a high-level Canadian official’s public statement .

“I would go a step further and say now the investigation has already been tainted,” said Verma, without naming the official. “A direction has come from someone at a high level to say India or Indian agents are behind it.”

A diplomatic fallout ensued following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement in the House of Commons that there were “credible allegations” that the Indian government was behind the assassination of Nijjar. 

The Indian government has denied these allegations. 

Trudeau’s statements led to Canada withdrawing 41 diplomats from India, travel advisories from both countries, India halting visas to Canadian travelers and a subsequent cyberattack on the Canadian Armed Forces’ website by pro-Khalistani hackers.

LAWTON: A carbon tax revolt is underway (ft. Kris Sims)

By
Andrew Lawton
-

Last week, Justin Trudeau introduced a three-year freeze on the carbon tax for home heating oil, prompting Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe to announce the province will stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas if no similar exemption is made. Canadian Taxpayers Federation Alberta director Kris Sims joined True North’s Andrew Lawton to discuss the federal government’s decision to backtrack on home heating oil, and the potential implications for carbon tax policies in Canada.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ANDREW LAWTON SHOW

Ontario to require all employers disclose salary ranges in job postings

By
Quinn Patrick
-

Ontario employers will soon be required to disclose wages or a salary range on their job postings, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in the selection process.

The PC government says its forthcoming “Working for Workers” legislation will give greater transparency to job seekers.

It will be tabled on Nov. 14, when legislators return to Queen’s Park. 

“When worker salaries are kept secret, there’s only one beneficiary and that’s businesses,” Labour Minister David Piccini told CTV News Toronto last week. “How many times have people applied for jobs just to find out at the end of the process that it’s nowhere near the salary range they were looking for?”

Piccini said that a consultation period will be conducted before ironing out the details of the salary range requirements to ensure that they are not left too broad. 

According to Piccini, the legislation may only start with salaries under $100,000. 

“I think if you’re looking under $100,000 a year, they want to know,” he said. “It’s working class workers who don’t earn six-figure salaries, they want to know what those ranges are as they take that exciting next step to apply for a job to get a better job and a bigger paycheque.”

Ontario’s decision to mandate wage disclosures follows a similar move by British Columbia’s provincial government earlier this year.

British Columbia’s legislation also prohibits employers from asking candidates about their salary history.  

Last year, the International Labour Organization published a report that found wage disparities between demographic groups could be remedied by better pay transparency policies. 

Numerous cities throughout the United States have also implemented similar legislation. 

Under the new legislation, businesses will also be required to let potential employees know if artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in the hiring process, as that practice is becoming an “increasing reality” in the workplace.  

Piccini said that AI is often used to screen candidates and analyze applications for companies and recruiters. 

As of February, 7% of Ontario businesses are planning to incorporate AI into their hiring process by next year, reported Statistics Canada.   

Piccini said that while there are legitimate concerns about privacy fears and the inherent biases of technology, several studies have proven that AI can help with issues of pay equity in the hiring process. 

“Let’s be transparent with workers in knowing that it’s being used,” said Piccini.

The legislation will make Ontario the first jurisdiction in the country to enforce disclosures regarding the use of AI in hiring.

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