Candidate for NDP Presidency says 'Terrorist' is 'an Imperialist label'

Failed federal NDP candidate and self-described socialist Jessa McLean is now running for the position of the party's presidency.

McLean, who currently serves as the riding president of York-Simcoe, has a history of tasteless tweets. In one unhinged post, Mclean says that the word "terrorist" is an "imperialist label, wrought with issues."

In another, she argues that those calling for the rule of law to be upheld during the 2020 Wet'suwet'en train blockades were actually "white settlers." She did not specify whether "white settlers" who supported the blockade still remained white settlers.

McLean has also been a vocal critic of the Israeli government, and was an endorser of an event that attempted to shut down Israeli Defence Force members at York University.

The violence at that event sparked widespread backlash from then-Conservative MPP Roman Baber, as well as reaction from B’nai Brith Canada CEO Michael Mostyn, who called for York University to take action.

"Further investigation is required into how a registered student group was permitted to glorify terrorism and attempt to intimidate those peacefully assembling on campus," he tweeted.

“There must be consequences for violent behaviour.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was "shocked" by the "vile hatred that was on display... at York University," saying he stood with Jewish students and the Jewish community.

McLean is running for federal party president, meaning she would be the party's administrative chairperson and would put her in charge of chairing party conventions as well as councils and executive meetings.