Spurning, Assaulting Canadian Values

"All of the statements and actions raised by the Minister can, in my view, reasonably lead one to the view that CAF (Canadian Arab Federation) appears to support organizations that Canada has declared to be terrorist organizations and which are arguably anti-Semitic."
"Quite simply, CAF cannot completely disassociate itself from the content of web links it includes in its materials, or from comments, distribution of materials or attendances at meetings and conferences by its executive."
Federal Court Justice Russel Zinn

"I just thought this was a no-brainer. I can't believe this was a controversy. How in the world could the government give subsidies to an organization with such extreme views in order to assist in integrating new Canadians?
"If integration is to mean anything, it must mean in part the rejection of ancient enmities, hatreds and prejudices. And not their reinforcement. So I feel vindicated and I certainly hope we have set a new standard which will be followed in the future."
Federal Cabinet Minister Jason Kenney

The Canadian Arab Federation had become accustomed to receiving federal funding to the tune of $1-million annually for the purpose of teaching new immigrants language skills, over the past dozen years. Justice Zinn took that into consideration but reached the conclusion that this alone was no reason that the funding should be extended. The CAF argued that Mr. Kenney had violated the organization's freedom of expression on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Israel Protest Toronto

The judge made note of the fact that the advocacy of the Canadian Arab Federation, targeting the Jewish community and Jewish organizations with slanderous statements, raising Hezbollah flags during rallies, and publishing links to videos reflecting operative training for Hamas, remained an ongoing focus for the CAF. Federal funding in aid for the language training project is not an absolute right, he pointed out.

Which is precisely what Mr. Kenney, then Minister of Immigration, judged himself when he decided in 2009 not to renew the contract with the CAF for immigrant language training. As one of Canada's largest Arab groups the Canadian Arab Federation has effectively demonstrated its disinterest in Canadian values of pluralist acceptance and integration into Canada's community of communities most often referred to as multiculturalism. Inclusion and integration obviously appeared a pejorative to the CAF.

Any ethnic, religious or ideological group within Canada that distinguishes itself by demonstrations of intolerance and ideological extremism is a blot on the conscience of all Canadians, and should not anticipate that their bigotry will receive praise and commendation, even if they do find themselves welcomed by some areas of society. Hezbollah and Hamas, both of which are deemed terrorist organizations by Canada seem to inspire the CAF.

Their position is not expressive of and inclusive of Canadian values. But it's obviously too much to hope that this legal set-back in their five-year battle against the federal Government is about to turn their agenda around any time soon.