Letter to the Editor: What dictates the voting patterns of Canadian Jews

(Feb. 13, 2025) – In response to the article, ‘Justin Trudeau to step down as PM,’  which appeared in Alberta Jewish News Vol 36, No. 1 January edition, AJNews reader Susan Podlog writes:

Adding to the conversation as presented by Andrew Lapin (on page 7 and continued on 15.)

Lapin gives a comprehensive outline of Trudeau and the reported declining support of Canada’s Jews since 2015. He refers to specific examples of the rise of anti-semitism across Canada adding details of responses from Jewish advocacy groups. He references actions Prime Minister Trudeau and the federal government have made as ‘gestures’ over time.

My intention is to add to and expand the conversation.

My comments address the political shift from the Liberal party under the leadership of Justin Trudeau with the move by a record number of Jews supporting the Conservative party under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre.

Poilievre, as reported, has ‘actively courted … Jewish votes …with forceful pro-Israel  rehetoric.’ The Conservative party’s unilateral support for the state of Israel is certainly key, giving rise and sustaining the support of a majority of Jewish voters.

That the ‘Trudeau Liberal Party’ is to blame for the spike in anti-semitism reduces the rise of such hateful events to a simple viewpoint. Hate crimes reflect social and broader political unrest. This includes a negative focus on minorities, including centering Jews in conspiracy theories with a resulting rise in antisemitic incidents.

Any shift to the Conservative party may create hesitation for some voters. The Conservative Party leader’s brand courts those who battle for ‘Freedom’ as a means to strengthen the party base.

Courting an alliance with Jordan B. Peterson, who was sanctioned by the College of Psychologists of Ontario for opinions expressed contrary to the standards of the College, is such an example.

Poilievre’s economic policy may also impact Canadian Jews. Balancing cuts to spending may limit services people depend on; cuts to the bureaucracy could impact jobs; or cuts to local journalism may limit media access and balance.

The complexity and divisions within Israel itself, its leadership and its people, could form another essay outlining the many considerations influencing the view points of Canada’s Jews and their voting patterns.

Lastly, there are those Jews who identify as clearly pro-Israel AND who also side with those progressive/ liberal policies of a federal government supporting diversity programs, a social safety net, universal health care access and clear climate policy.

Susan Podlog