Ontario’s solicitor general Michael Kerzner says antisemitic rhetoric by an NDP MPP is ‘toxic to our democracy’

Michael Kerzer
Ontario's Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner, seen here wearing a kippa, stands without applauding on March 27 as the NDP's new MPP for the Hamilton area, Sarah Jama, is welcomed to the legislature for the first time. (Ontario 's Legislative Assembly photo).

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Michael Kerzner is the highest-ranking Jewish member of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government. Kerzner was appointed as solicitor general last June, shortly after being elected in the York Centre riding—his first successful foray into politics—as part of the Progressive Conservatives’ sweep back to power in 2022.

Now Kerzner is taking it upon himself to speak out for the Jewish community. Later today, he is scheduled to speak in the legislature about two hot-button issues: the annual Al-Quds day protest held in downtown Toronto a few weeks ago; and the anti-Israel positions held by a newly elected NDP MPP Sarah Jama, from Hamilton Centre. Kerzner calls Jama’s record of tweets and speeches antisemitic—which some members of the Jewish community also feel have been hurtful.

Kerzner joins The CJN Daily to explain why he’s given Jama the silent treatment until now, but things are about to heat up as he ramps up his own personal protest against having her in the Ontario legislature.

What we talked about

  • How Michael Kerzner navigated attending the official Ontario event to mark King Charles III coronation on Shabbat, on The CJN Daily
  • Michael Kerzner eyes run in the York Centre riding for the 2022 election, in The CJN
  • Read political columnist Josh Lieblein’s take on Sarah Jama’s election to Queen’s Park in The CJN

Credits

The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Zachary Kauffman is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We’re a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To subscribe to this podcast, please watch this video. Donate to The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt by clicking here.