A private member’s bill from Progressive Conservative MPP Tim Hudak and Liberal Mike Colle concerning an economic boycott of Israel was defeated 39-18 in a free vote in the legislature Thursday. Hudak said he did not know whether the provincial government now has contracts with any businesses backing the BDS movement. ( Rob Ferguson / Toronto Star file photo )Ontario MPPs have rejected a push to stop the province from doing business with companies backing the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel. Article Continued Below“But somehow because they’re Jewish or from Israel, oh, it’s free speech all of a sudden? After an emotional debate Thursday while Premier Kathleen Wynne was in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on a trade mission, a private member’s bill from Progressive Conservative Tim Hudak and Liberal Mike Colle was defeated 39-18 in a free vote.

Source: thestar May 19, 2016 17:33 UTC