Former Minister Cotler urges Liberal MP Housefather to become an independent
Former Liberal MP and cabinet minister Irwin Cotler suggested that MP Anthony Housefather resign from the party’s caucus to sit as an independent. This suggestion came as anger toward the Liberals from the Jewish population of Housefather’s riding of Mount Royal would make the upcoming electoral race difficult. Cotler stated in an interview with the National Post, “I don’t think that [Housefather] should be punished because of the desire to punish the Liberal party.”
“I understand why there is anger towards the Liberals, but I don’t think he should end up being victimized for it. So, I’ll still be supporting him.”
Cotler explained that he does not believe in floor-crossing as a matter of principle and would not continue supporting Housefather if he had moved to the Conservative Party, which was a consideration for Housefather. Cotler said, “Anthony effectively believed not that he was leaving the Liberal party, but the Liberal party had left him. So, I said ‘make a statement, sit as an Independent’.”
Housefather, who is Jewish, has represented the Quebec riding of Mount Royal since 2015. He is set to face off against Conservative Neil Oberman in the upcoming election. Oberman is a lawyer who filed an injunction on behalf of McGill University students against an anti-Israel encampment on campus in early 2024.
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According to Cotler, the riding of Mount Royal, with the second-largest Jewish population in Canada at 31 percent, could be a battleground between the Liberals and Conservatives due to growing discontent with the Liberal Party following the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas that sparked the conflict in Gaza.
Motion Recognizing Palestinian Statehood
Housefather was among the three Liberal MPs who voted against an amended March 18 NDP motion calling for the recognition of Palestinian statehood. Following the vote, Housefather expressed his struggle with the decision and stated that he would take time to reflect on his position as a parliamentary secretary and a Liberal MP.
Cotler revealed that Housefather seriously considered switching parties at that time. However, on April 5, Housefather announced his decision to remain a Liberal MP, citing that staying in caucus would provide the greatest value to Canadians. Despite this decision, Housefather expressed his disappointment with the motion’s adoption and the events surrounding it, noting that they had also angered many Jewish Canadians he had spoken with.
