OTTAWA – Delegates to the CUPE Ontario convention here have voted overwhelmingly to support the international campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel until that state recognizes the Palestinian right to self-determination.
The global campaign started last July and has been supported by many North American churches, 20 Quebec organizations, and others. The Israeli “apartheid wall” has been condemned and determined illegal under international law.
Under the resolution approved by delegates, CUPE Ontario will develop an education campaign about the issue, including Canada’s political and economic support for Israeli policies, similar to the campaign developed by CUPE British Columbia.
Canada has a free trade agreement with Israel, the only such agreement this country has outside of the western hemisphere. In Ontario, the liquor control board carried more than 30 Israeli wines, many produced in the occupied Golan Heights.
“Boycott, divestment and sanction worked to end apartheid in South Africa,” said Katherine Nastovski, chair of the CUPE Ontario international solidarity committee. “We believe the same strategy will work to enforce the rights of Palestinian people, including the right of refugees to return to their homes and properties.”
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For more information, contact:
Pat Daley, CUPE Communications, 416-616-6142 (cell)