Recording revealed Liberal MP’s consideration of quitting secretary role due to Ottawa’s pause on UNRWA funds
Liberal MP Rob Oliphant said he repeatedly thought of quitting his parliamentary secretary position following Canada’s “political” decision to pause funding to the UN organization for Palestinians, according to a recording.
Mr. Oliphant, who did not know he was being recorded, said the pause in funding was political.
“When I read that we were pausing money to UNRWA—I’m going to be very clear—it was political,” he said.
“And I don’t just mean domestic politics. It has to do with our allies.”
Mr. Oliphant, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, went on to express his commitment to defending UNRWA indefinitely, highlighting their work in Lebanon and Jordan and his visits to refugee camps. He disputed claims of antisemitism in the organization’s curriculum, asserting his belief that UNRWA faces unjust criticism daily.
This 700-metre-long, 18-metre-deep tunnel had multiple blast doors and contained Hamas intelligence assets, according to the IDF, which also reported uncovering large quantities of weapons, including rifles, ammunition, grenades, and explosives hidden in the building’s offices.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was circumspect when reporters asked him to comment on Mr. Oliphant’s remarks Feb. 15.
“There are people from different perspectives and different places that are hurting deeply,” he responded, which is a “strength” of the Liberal Party.
He added that Canada recognizes the “ongoing humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza, and advocates for a “two-state solution” to the crisis.