Poilievre accuses Liberals of mixed messaging as candidate calls Gaza war 'genocide'

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is accusing the Liberals of mixed messaging over the war in Gaza as video emerged of one candidate calling the crisis a "genocide" just days after leader Mark Carney clarified his own remarks.

Poilievre's comments were in response to a reporter's question which referenced, in part, a video of Liberal candidate Adam van Koeverden speaking at a mosque.

In the video posted by on X Saturday morning, van Koeverden — the incumbent MP in Burlington North-Milton West — can be seen saying he wants "everybody to know that our voices, your voices, will be strong in Ottawa, strong to condemn the genocide and end the genocide in Gaza."

He also said that advocacy would continue to "make sure that the Palestinian voices are heard in Ottawa by our leaders and to make sure that Canada continues to stand strong for Palestinian safety and sovereignty."

"The Jewish community feels understandably under siege as these hate marches and antisemitic outbursts have become an unfortunate part of Canadian life," Poilievre said at a press conference in Ottawa Saturday morning.

"Frankly, the Liberals have encouraged these divisions. We see what they do. They say one thing to one group, and then exactly the opposite to another group."

In March 2024, van Koeverden and nearly the entire Liberal caucus voted in favour of an NDP motion that called on the government to demand an immediate ceasefire, as well as for Hamas to release all hostages and lay down its arms.

The motion also called on the government to support the work of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, demanded unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and encouraged international partners to work to pursue a comprehensive, lasting peace.

Van Koeverden is also listed as a candidate supporting "The Palestine Platform," which calls for a two-way arms embargo on Israel, the recognition of a Palestinian state and proper funding for relief efforts in Gaza.

Thirteen other Liberal candidates are also listed as endorsers. 

CBC News has reached out to the Liberal Party for a statement. Van Koeverden acknowledged the request for comment by CBC but has not provided one. 

The video of van Koeverden emerged days after Carney clarified a remark he made suggesting he agreed with the allegation that Israel's military action in Gaza qualifies as a genocide.

While at a rally in Calgary, someone in the crowd — who did not appear on camera — shouted "Mr. Carney, there's a genocide in Palestine!" as the Liberal leader was getting settled on the stage. 

Carney replied: "I'm aware. That's why we have an arms embargo," before Liberal supporters drowned out the questioner by chanting the Liberal leader's name.