Evidence of meeting #106 for Justice and Human Rights in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was anti-semitism.
A recording is available from Parliament.
12:40 p.m.
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Were they related to the encampment specifically? When were these people suspended or expelled and how many?
12:40 p.m.
Prof. Meric Gertler
The encampment has been in place for three and a half weeks. We have not yet had any—
12:40 p.m.
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Has anybody been expelled or suspended because of the encampment?
12:40 p.m.
Prof. Meric Gertler
Those processes are under way. None have been expelled—
12:40 p.m.
Conservative
Melissa Lantsman Conservative Thornhill, ON
Nobody has been suspended or expelled despite having graphics like this. They've just been asked to take them down.
12:45 p.m.
Prof. Meric Gertler
Actions are under way, but it does take some time to follow due process so that whatever conclusions are reached and whatever sanctions are recommended have proper purchase. That is our goal.
12:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Lena Metlege Diab
Thank you.
For the information of members and witnesses, I will go to Mr. Housefather and then to Mr. Fortin for six minutes each, and then we will break.
We have resources to come back after the vote, but I will need the witnesses and the members to agree to that. We can come back until 1:50 or 1:55. Think about it, and I'll need a response.
Mr. Housefather, please go ahead.
May 27th, 2024 / 12:45 p.m.
Liberal
Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC
Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Thank you very much for being here today. I cannot believe that, in my lifetime, we are having university presidents testify before a parliamentary committee about anti-Semitism on campus.
President Carr, respectfully, I don't believe empathy should be the number one goal; it should be protecting our kids and keeping our campuses safe from intimidation and harassment. That should be the number one goal here.
I have some yes-or-no questions. I'd like to ask everybody to say yes or no. If you can't answer yes or no, say, “I can't answer,” but no more than that or I'll reclaim my time.
I'm going to start with President Saini, followed by President Gertler, President Bacon and President Carr.
Do you acknowledge that anti-Semitism is a significant problem on your campus, President Saini?
12:45 p.m.
Prof. Deep Saini
Yes.
12:45 p.m.
Prof. Meric Gertler
Yes.
12:45 p.m.
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia
Everywhere.
12:45 p.m.
Liberal
Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC
Do you believe that all DEI programs on your campus must include the Jewish community and must include Jews, President Saini?
12:45 p.m.
Prof. Deep Saini
Yes.
12:45 p.m.
Prof. Meric Gertler
Yes.
12:45 p.m.
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of British Columbia
Indeed, yes.
12:45 p.m.
Liberal
Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC
Do you support the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism, which has been adopted by the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Quebec and the governments of a number of provinces, and will you support its application on your campus when the handbook from Ms. Lyons comes out on the implementation of IHRA, President Saini?
12:45 p.m.
Prof. Deep Saini
If this comes forward, I will give my support for starting the process.