NDP byelection candidate creates stir with Palestinian flag in campaign pamphlet

Craig Sauvé, the NDP candidate for the upcoming federal byelection in Lasalle—Émard—Verdun, sparked controversy over the weekend when a Gaza-themed campaign pamphlet featuring his image began circulating on social media.

The pamphlet prominently displays Sauvé's smiling face in front of a Palestinian flag, with a French-language caption stating, “I’m voting for Craig Sauvé to stop the genocide in Gaza.” A QR code at the bottom directs users to a volunteer sign-up page.

Within hours of the pamphlet's appearance on Sunday, it faced criticism from Montreal-based conservative strategist Carl Vallée and Jenni Byrne, a close advisor to Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre.

“Craig Sauvé hopes to become a member of the federal Parliament in Ottawa. However, there is no trace of the Quebec or Canadian flags on his pamphlet,” Vallée tweeted on Sunday afternoon.

(A small maple leaf and fleur-de-lis can be seen in the top corner of the pamphlet, part of the NDP logo.)

Byrne quickly retweeted Vallée's post, questioning whether NDP leader Jagmeet Singh or the party had approved the literature, asking, “Did @theJagmeetSingh @NDP approve this literature piece?”

Despite the backlash, Sauvé continued his campaign efforts Monday morning, alongside NDP foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson, who sponsored the party’s spring motion calling for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza.

McPherson tweeted that the Montreal byelection offers a "key opportunity" to send a message to the Liberal government that Quebecers are demanding the “protection of ALL human rights.” She and the rest of the NDP caucus are in Montreal this week for their annual retreat.

The events of the weekend highlight the growing division within the Liberal Party’s traditional voter base over the conflict in Gaza, particularly in the south Montreal riding. The Trudeau government’s reluctance to take a strong stance against Israel’s military actions has alienated both the 5.5 percent of residents who identify as Muslim and many students and young professionals in the area.

Polls indicate a significant demographic split, with younger voters—particularly those under 35—more likely to view Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. This divide has also reached Liberal Party insiders, with over fifty ministerial staffers announcing they will not campaign in Lasalle—Émard—Verdun due to dissatisfaction with the federal government's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The NDP is now positioning its campaign to attract disaffected voters, using Gaza as a key issue to engage young volunteers.

Sauvé’s main opponent is Liberal candidate Laura Palestini, who is vying to retain the seat previously held by former justice minister David Lametti. Despite her surname, Palestini is of Italian descent, like her predecessor.

Current polls suggest a tight three-way race between the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc Québécois in the riding.

The byelection is scheduled to take place on Monday, September 16.