NDP calls on Liberals to investigate Canadian charities that may be funding war crimes

OTTAWA—On Thursday, NDP critic for Tax Fairness Niki Ashton called on the Liberals to investigate Canadian tax-deductible charities who are believed to be funnelling significant funds in support of Israeli military operations and illegal settlements in Palestine.

Documented evidence suggests that the charitable organization Mizrachi Canada allegedly used their charitable status to carry out tax-deductible financial transfers to extremist groups in Israel. This is particularly concerning given recent settler attacks in the West Bank against Palestinian civilians.

“Canadians want to contribute part of their income to charitable organizations to help those in need. But they also count on their government to ensure these organizations act in good faith, respect the law and human rights,” said Ashton. “Unfortunately, concerning reports reveal that Canadian tax-deductible charities are funnelling significant funds to harmful activities that violate Palestinians’ human rights and go against Canadian values. We’re calling on the Liberals to investigate these allegations and revoke charitable status to any organization that doesn’t meet the standards set by the Income Tax Act and international law.”

In May, Ashton wrote to Minister of National Revenue Marie-Claude Bibeau calling for an investigation of Mizrachi Canada—but no answer has been issued yet. A petition has also been launched in April pressuring the federal government to do the same.

“Canadian taxpayers shouldn’t be subsidizing what could constitute war crimes in Palestine, Israel or anywhere,” said Ashton. “International human rights organizations, the International Criminal Court and the ICJ have reported violations of human rights by settlers in the West Bank. There is a real concern that Canadian taxpayers are funding extremist groups engaged in these activities. The Liberals must take these allegations seriously and ensure Canada is not complicit in war crimes.”