View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, April 2, 2024 – The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) voices deep concern and disappointment over the recent mass resignation of ten members of the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival programming team. This unprecedented move underscores a troubling trend with cultural institutions, where voices of Palestinian and their allies are often marginalized or disregarded. The mass resignation of ten members of the programming team, including, veterans Myrocia Watamaniuk and Angie Driscoll, signals a concerning disconnect in the festival’s commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling, particularly regarding Palestinian narratives.     Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, March 28, 2024 - The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) commends the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) for its landmark decision to allocate two full-time equity coach positions dedicated to supporting Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and Arabic-speaking students. This progressive move represents a crucial step towards addressing and mitigating anti-Palestinian racism (APR) and discrimination within the Ottawa-Carleton community. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by the affected student groups, the OCDSB has set a precedent for inclusivity and support that will undoubtedly enhance the learning environment for all. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, March 18, 2024 — The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) strongly disapproves of the failure to list Palestine as a country of origin on the passport application of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This absence effectively negates Palestinian identity and contributes to Anti-Palestinian racism by denying the Palestinian people the fundamental acknowledgment of their homeland. A significant outcry on social media in February, 2024, sparked by a popular TikTok video, underscored the frustration and sense of exclusion felt by Palestinian Canadians and their descendants, who find their nation unrepresented in official Canadian bureaucratic processes. Continue reading

View this statement in pdf format. Montreal, January 30, 2024 — The Anti-Racism Program of the CJPME Foundation (ARPCF) expresses profound concern over remarks made by Selina Robinson regarding Palestine, which were made public on January 30, 2024. Speaking at an event organized by the Jewish advocacy group B’nai Brith, Robinson described historic Palestine as a "crappy piece of land" with little economic value prior to the 1948 creation of the state of Israel. These comments first reflect a misunderstanding of the geography, climate, and rights and history of the indigenous Palestinian people.  Robinson’s comments also perpetuate a narrative of racial superiority that justifies the ongoing denial of the rights of Palestinians to self-determination. Continue reading