10.71°C Vancouver

Mar 20, 2024 5:27 PM - The Canadian Press

Motion on Israel-Hamas war will have consequences for asylum seekers in Gaza: Miller

Share On
motion-on-israel-hamas-war-will-have-consequences-for-asylum-seekers-in-gaza-miller
Miller says he thinks the motion was fair and principled after it was altered to reflect 14 amendments proposed by the Liberals.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Immigration Minister Marc Miller says the amended motion on the Israel-Hamas war the House of Commons passed Monday could make it harder for people seeking asylum in Canada to get out of Gaza.

He says it could make the situation worse for a Canadian program that has already been, in his words, a "failure."

Miller says he thinks the motion was fair and principled after it was altered to reflect 14 amendments proposed by the Liberals.

The final motion eliminated a standalone call to recognize Palestinian statehood and instead saw MPs support progress toward a peace process and a two-state solution as per existing Canadian policy.

But Miller says the motion has upset Israel's government and will have consequences.

Israel's foreign minister said Tuesday that measures outlined in the motion, including the suspension of arms exports to Israel, would undermine his country's ability to defend itself and that history would judge Canada harshly.

Miller told reporters Wednesday morning that the government always knew the program to offer asylum to extended family members of Canadians who are in the Gaza Strip could fail.

Only 14 people have been able to get out. The motion could have consequences for others who are waiting, he said.

"The adoption of that motion doesn't help getting people out."

He said the Israeli government has made it clear that it is watching what Canada does.

"And any actions that are seen as to be unfavourable can affect their decision-making at the highest political level," Miller said.

"And so we can't be naive as a country as to the actions that we take and the impact that can have on the ground and for actual people's lives."

Miller said he was not saying that the motion was "a bad thing to adopt," adding it represented a "principled position" as amended.

"But the actions of the government of Canada (have) consequences. And on the particular impact of that program, I don't think that motion is necessarily a good thing."

Latest news

carney-to-brief-premier-ford-on-ongoing-u-s-trade-negotiations
CanadaOct 16, 2025

Carney to Brief Premier Ford on Ongoing U.S. Trade Negotiations

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he will meet with Ontario Premier Doug Ford today to provide an update on Canada’s ongoing negotiations with the United States over sector-specific trade agreements. Carney confirmed that federal officials are engaged in intensive discussions with Washington on key economic sectors, including energy, aluminum and steel. He said the meeting with Ford will focus on the tariffs affecting Ontario’s automotive, forestry and manufacturing industries, which have faced trade pressures in recent months. Premier Ford recently urged Ottawa to take a tougher stance if t
new-renal-facility-at-surrey-memorial-hospital-to-expand-kidney-care-by-2026
CanadaOct 16, 2025

New Renal Facility at Surrey Memorial Hospital to Expand Kidney Care by 2026

Construction of Surrey Memorial Hospital’s new renal facility is moving forward, with the centre expected to open in the summer of 2026. Once complete, the facility will expand kidney-care services by 55 per cent and increase patient capacity to meet the rising demand for treatment in Surrey and neighbouring communities. The project is part of a broader provincial strategy to strengthen health-care services across the region. Alongside the new renal unit, the Province’s plan includes establishing a medical school at Simon Fraser University, building a new hospital and BC Cancer Centre in C
ottawa-to-introduce-bail-reform-targeting-violent-and-repeat-offenders-next-week-pm-carney
CanadaOct 16, 2025

Ottawa to introduce bail reform targeting violent and repeat offenders next week : PM Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will table new bail reform legislation next week aimed at tightening rules for violent and repeat offenders across Canada. Speaking to reporters in Toronto on Thursday, Carney said the proposed changes to the Criminal Code will apply to serious offences, including violent auto theft, break-ins, human trafficking, and sexual or violent assaults. The goal, he said, is to “keep violent and repeat offenders out of our communities.” The legislation will include a “reverse-onus” provision for major offences, requiring accused individual
surrey-café-linked-to-indian-star-kapil-sharma-hit-by-gunfire-for-third-time-this-year
BCOct 16, 2025

Surrey café linked to Indian star Kapil Sharma hit by gunfire for third time this year

Surrey RCMP are investigating another shooting at Kap’s Café, a local restaurant associated with Bollywood comedian and television host Kapil Sharma. Police say the business was struck by multiple bullets early Thursday morning, marking the third such incident at the location this year. Officers were called to the café just before 4 a.m. and found damage to the building caused by gunfire. Staff members were inside at the time, but no injuries were reported. Authorities have not released information about suspects or a possible motive. The same café was targeted by two separate shootings e
IndiaOct 16, 2025

CBI arrests DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar in bribery case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Deputy Inspector General Harcharan Singh Bhullar, posted in Ropar Range, in connection with a bribery case. Officials said a CBI team conducted a raid at Bhullar’s office in Chandigarh before taking him into custody. According to sources, Bhullar is accused of demanding and accepting a bribe of around five lakh rupees. The alleged payment was linked to a scrap dealer from Mandi Gobindgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib district. Investigators have also detained an intermediary who was reportedly involved in facilitating the deal between Bhullar and

Related News