Canadian lawmaker removed from position after backing bill targeting arms exports to Israel

Canadian Liberal Party MP Sean Casey has been removed from his position as parliamentary secretary to the minister of veterans affairs after voting in favor of a bill aimed at regulating the country's arms exports to Israel. The bill, introduced by New Democratic Party lawmaker Jenny Kwan, sought to close a loophole that allowed Canadian-made military equipment to be exported to another country and ultimately end up in Israel.

Casey, who represents Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island, told CBC News that he was warned by a Liberal whip in March that supporting Kwan's private member's bill would result in his removal from the parliamentary secretary post. The bill was ultimately defeated in the House of Commons. Casey was the only Liberal MP among the 15 who voted for the bill, and the only one in a position as a parliamentary secretary.

He was replaced by Quebec MP Sophie Chatel a day after the removal. Kwan expressed concern over the episode, questioning whether Liberal MPs are truly free to vote based on their constituents' wishes. She emphasized that a parliamentary secretary should not have to choose between their job and their conscience. The developments come amid reports that Israeli newspaper Haaretz has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for damaging Israel's standing among allies and Democrats worldwide.