As Parliament Returns, CIJA Urges Prime Minister Carney to Take Action on Resurging Antisemitism and Extremism

Ottawa, ON – January 23, 2026 – Next Tuesday, on the second day that Parliament returns, Prime Minister Mark Carney will have an opportunity to address the nation on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. With violent antisemitism, radicalization, and extremism resurging across Canada, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is urging the government to remember the past and resolve to safeguard the present and future.

Noah Shack, CEO, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, released the following statement with five critical measures to confront these growing threats:

“This year’s commemoration comes at a time when many Canadians are deeply concerned about the global resurgence of antisemitism – a harbinger of rising polarization, instability, and extremism impacting our democracy.

“We know the Holocaust did not begin with death marches or gas chambers; it unfolded over many years of hateful propaganda, demonization, and violent mobs, while too many otherwise good people remained silent.

“Today, in light of the serious threats Canadians are facing, we’re urging the government to commit to five critical measures:

1. Expedite federal support for community security. In addition to expediting progress, a clear timeline for reforms and increased funding is required for the Canada Community Security Program. Every day of waiting, unfortunately, risks delaying potentially life-saving security upgrades and measures at synagogues, schools, and community centres.
2. Prioritize enforcement to disrupt this growing threat to Canadians. There is a need for federal authorities to lead a dedicated, proactive, well-resourced, and cross-jurisdictional enforcement effort, with a focus on radical Islamist activity, neo-Nazi movements, and other forms of violent extremism. 
3. Advance legislative and policy changes to address violent extremism and radicalization. CIJA has joined with five Jewish organizations to issue a joint call for MPs of all parties to work together to pass a modified and impactful Bill C-9. However, while C‑9 addresses several key issues, there remains an urgent need to examine a wider range of tools to tackle violent extremism and radicalization.
4. Ensure clear and consistent public leadership. At a moment of heightened threats to Canadians, it is essential that our public leaders reinforce the unequivocal message that exploiting a foreign conflict as a pretext to target Canadian Jews, or any other community, will not be tolerated in our country.
5. Strengthen ties between Israelis and Canadians. With Canada–Israel relations at a low point, it’s time to rebuild this partnership that has benefited Canadians and Israelis alike for more than 80 years. Anchored by the Canada–Israel Free Trade Agreement – Canada’s first trade deal outside North America – this relationship has driven advancements in trade, science, security, and innovation.

“In Australia, the government is moving ahead with many similar measures, but they are tragically of no consolation to the 15 innocents slain at Bondi Beach. Canada should learn from this cautionary tale and take urgent action before tragedy strikes.”

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