A local Member of Parliament has apologized for comments made earlier this week during a debate on a ceasefire in the Middle East.
Windsor West MP Brian Masse rose in the House of Commons during members' statements on Monday. The NDP had introduced a motion for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The remarks were streamed by the Parliament of Canada's official website.
"I understand the pain and suffering because I've seen it in my own community," Masse said. "Long before even this, where swastikas are painted on sidewalks or in front of people's homes, and all that still exists in our society. It's something we have to continue to fight against every single day, but we're not going to be able to fix anything right now until there's a ceasefire."
Masse issued a statement on Wednesday apologizing for the comments.
"I’m deeply sorry about my comment in the House of Commons linking the ceasefire with tackling anti-Semitism. We must confront anti-Semitism at all times and without preconditions," said Masse. "I want to apologize to all who have been impacted by this comment. I’m committed to repairing the harm that was caused. The rise of anti-Semitism in Canada is not a new problem, but the crisis in the Middle East has made it even worse. As a leader in my community, I have a responsibility to do everything I can to address it."
WindsorNewsToday.ca has reached out to Masse's office but has not yet received a response.
