Politics

Jason Kenney weighs in on Scarlett Johansson's SodaStream flap

Jason Kenney announced on Twitter that he loves his SodaStream soda-making machine, which the sultry actress promotes. The gizmo is also behind Johansson's decision to quit as an Oxfam ambassador because the relief agency objects to SodaStream's decision to build a factory in the Israeli settlement on the West Bank.

Employment Minister tweets about buying Israeli-manufactured home soda machine

Canadian Employment Minister Jason Kenney, a strong defender of Israeli, tweeted about SodaStream, a Tel Aviv-based company that makes home soda machines. Actress Scarlett Johansson came under fire last week for representing the brand while also working as an Oxfam ambassador. (Canadian Press)

Jason Kenney will never be mistaken for Scarlett Johansson.

But on Monday, he announced on Twitter that he loves his SodaStream soda-making machine, which the sultry actress promotes. The gizmo is also behind Johansson's decision to quit as an Oxfam ambassador because the relief agency objects to SodaStream's decision to build a factory in the Israeli settlement on the West Bank.

That didn't seem to bother the multiculturalism minister, who tweeted a picture of his new acquisition.

"Bought a nice @SodaStream unit at the @HudsonsBayCo.," he tweeted. "Thanks to @Oxfam for the tip. #Buycott #BDSfail #GoScarJo"

Kenney is a strong defender of Israel, as is Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government.

Scarlett Johansson's SodaStream controversy

Johansson, 29, agreed last month to become a global brand ambassador for SodaStream, a Tel Aviv-based company that makes home soda machines and has its main plant in an Israeli industrial park next to the West Bank settlement of Maaleh Adumim.

Actress Scarlett Johansson resigned as an ambassador for Oxfam, citing a "fundamental difference of opinion." (Luca Bruno/Associated Press)
Oxfam says it opposes all trade with Israeli settlements, deemed illegal by most of the international community.

Johansson resigned from her Oxfam duties last week, citing a "fundamental difference of opinion."

Oxfam accepted her resignation. The charity said it believes SodaStream and other businesses operating in West Bank settlements contribute to the "denial of rights of the Palestinian communities that we work to support."

Kenney took his own share of flak on social media.

Some called his tweet "insensitive" while others asked why he was promoting a commercial enterprise.

SodaStream Canada also weighed in on its Twitter account, pointing to Kenney's post and saying, "This exchange makes me smile." It also posted a link to another site where Kenney discussed "criticism over his trip to Israel and the Canadian jobs grant program."