NDP bans Yves Engler’s leadership candidacy alleging antisemitism, pro-Russia views

The socialist NDP has booted far-left activist and author Yves Engler from its leadership race, citing a mix of claims including alleged harassment and confrontational behaviour.

Source: Facebook

The socialist NDP has booted far-left activist and author Yves Engler from its leadership race, citing a mix of claims including alleged harassment, confrontational behaviour, and most recently, claiming his foreign policy views align with Russian and antisemitic narratives.

Engler, who sought to replace Jagmeet Singh as party leader, was informed late last month that his application had been denied after a review by the party’s Leadership Vote Committee.

Internal correspondence between Engler and the party, reviewed by The Globe and Mail, shows the committee upheld its decision after Engler appealed.

In its rejection, the committee cited comments by Engler that were “consistent with antisemitic rhetoric,” his use of the term “Holocaust industry” to denigrate remembrance efforts, and his views mirroring what the party called Russian propaganda about the war in Ukraine. The party also cited concerns that he had expressed sympathy for Syria’s Assad government and had repeatedly confronted MPs in public and private settings.

Engler denied the allegations in an interview, saying he has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and antisemitism “on dozens of occasions.” He said the party’s decision subverts members’ ability to choose their leader.

On Wednesday, Engler escalated his criticism, calling the party’s decision “Orwellian” in a lengthy statement posted on X. He argued the NDP had misrepresented his positions on international law and solidarity with marginalized groups, and accused the party of ignoring Canada’s own history of supporting coups and foreign interventions.

“The audacity, chauvinism and absurdity of the NDP vetting committee is a sight to behold,” Engler wrote. He called the committee’s claim that he contradicts the party’s commitments to democracy and international law “simply Orwellian,” arguing he has spent decades documenting Canadian complicity in foreign interventions, including in Haiti, Congo, Venezuela and elsewhere.

Engler also rejected the allegation that he lacks solidarity with oppressed peoples, pointing to his activism on Haiti, Palestine and African states. He said his critiques of Canada’s role in Libya, Yugoslavia and sanctions regimes reflect long-standing violations of international law that the NDP has historically supported or ignored.

The party’s rejection also cited concerns that Engler had followed MPs to private vehicles and accommodations, behaviour it said intimidated staff and elected officials. One example referenced involved Liberal MP Anna Gainey, now secretary of state for Children and Youth. Engler posted a video in April in which he followed Gainey to her car while questioning her about Israel and Gaza. In the video, Gainey repeatedly asks him to “leave me alone.” Engler denies she was frightened, saying police officers were nearby.

Engler’s lawyer, Dimitri Lascaris, submitted a detailed letter challenging the party’s findings, arguing Engler has never threatened violence and that any perceived intimidation is not his responsibility.

Engler says he raised the $100,000 entry fee required to run and has already spent tens of thousands of dollars preparing a campaign. He said he will refund supporters upon request.

Lucy Watson, the NDP’s national director, said in a statement the committee determined Engler “did not meet the eligibility standards that apply to every applicant” and that an independent review upheld the decision.

Engler said the party should have allowed him to run alongside MP Heather McPherson, Rob Ashton, Tanille Johnston, Avi Lewis and Tony McQuail.

“If everyone thinks I’m a Putin asset that denies the Rwandan genocide and is antisemitic, then let members decide and I’ll get no votes,” he said. “But they understand there is sympathy for these ideas among NDP members.”

Engler says he still plans to tour the country to promote his policy proposals.