North Star with Ellin Bessner What to expect from (Jewish) Canadian politics in 2026
While the Canadian Parliament has been on winter break since mid-December, international politics have only heated up so far in 2026. Pro-democracy protests have rocked Iran; Russia's war against Ukraine remains unresolved; and the United States stunningly bombed oil-rich Venezuela and captured its dictator, Nicolas Maduro. It's all likely to overshadow domestic policy issues once Canadian federal politicians come back to work.
But Canadian Jews have their own concerns at home, worrying about whether lawmakers will keep last year's promises to fight antisemitism and remain proactive about hate-fuelled terrorism. And some federal policy is less clear: how will Canada change its relationship with Israel in the wake of recognizing Palestinian statehood? Will the federal New Democratic Party choose former broadcaster and anti-Israel activist Avi Lewis as their new leader? Is Pierre Poilievre, a staunch ally of Israel, going to survive his party's leadership review in January? And what about the economic problems our country continues to face stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war?
On today's episode of North Star, The CJN's political panelists weigh in.
Joining host Ellin Bessner today are Dan Mader a Conservative strategist and a founder of Loyalist Public Affairs, who sits on CJPAC's advisory board and volunteers with Friends of JNF Canada; David Birnbaum, a former Liberal member of the Quebec National Assembly for the riding of D'Arcy-McGee in Montreal; and Noah Tepperman, a past president of the Windsor-Tecumseh NDP riding association, who has advised the federal and provincial NDP on Jewish issues.
Related links
- Read more about Canada recognizing the State of Palestine in Sept. 2025, in
- Hear federal Liberal cabinet minister Evan Solomon on how his government is taking antisemitism seriously, as well as the safety of Jews, in
- How Toronto’s Jewish community gave a warm welcome to Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre at a synagogue in December, in
Credits
- Host and writer:
Ellin Bessner ( @ebessner )
- Production team:
Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer)
- Music:
Support our show
(+ get a charitable tax receipt)
(Not sure how? Click here )