Canadian MP denies antisemitism after controversial intervention in finance debate

A Canadian MP is denying charges of antisemitism after allegedly calling out the name “George Soros” during a speech about the economy by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in Canada’s House of Commons on Tuesday.

Mr Soros, a financier, philanthropist and controversial political activist, is often the subject of antisemitic conspiracy theories.

Conservative MP John Brassard allegedly invoked Mr Soros as Ms Freeland was responding to a question about the Government’s post-COVID plans for the economy.

Amid the noisy jeering that accompanied her statement, an MP – later identified by Liberals as Mr Brassard – was allegedly heard to yell “George Soros”.

Mr Brassard is refusing to apologise and is denying charges of antisemitism. “There was nothing in what I said that was in any way antisemitic,” he told a Liberal MP. It is unclear whether Mr Brassard was invoking Mr Soros because of a tangible connection between Mr Soros’ political activism or for some conspiratorial purpose.

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