A petition on the Canadian House of Commons website, garnering over 71,000 signatures, is demanding Canada’s withdrawal from the United Nations and its subsidiaries. This has ignited a political firestorm, with Liberal ministers criticizing the Conservative Party behind the push.
The petition, sponsored by Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis, claims that UN membership harms Canadians and undermines national sovereignty. It specifically cites concerns with obligations like Agenda 2030 and the rapid implementation of UN programs without transparency or public consent.
The petition’s accusations have riled Liberal members, who see it as an example of the Conservative Party’s isolationist stance under leader Pierre Poilievre. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne called the withdrawal proposal “unbelievable” in the current global climate, while parliamentary secretaries to Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly criticized it as “absurd” and “dangerous.”
Lewis, a front-bench Conservative and critic of international organizations like the World Economic Forum (WEF), defends the petition. She argues that Canadians deserve a say in decisions affecting their lives and claims the UN serves the interests of unelected entities, hindering Canadians’ freedom and health rights.
This controversy highlights the growing divide between political parties on Canada’s international role. Conservatives, under Poilievre, push for a more independent approach, while Liberals emphasize global collaboration and engagement through bodies like the UN.
The petition, due to close on February 7th, is likely to remain a hot topic of debate, reflecting broader questions about Canada’s place in the world and the balance between national interests and international cooperation.
