by Candice Bodnaruk
Although Canada officially recognized the State of Palestine at the United Nations in September, and 82,000 Canadians signed a parliamentary petition demanding an embargo on military exports to Israel, the Canadian government is still sending weapons to support Israel’s genocide in Gaza and arms exports permits that were approved before January 8, 2024 are still in effect. Moreover, Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) is also still importing weapons from Israeli companies for use by our own military.
Although many export permits for weapons for Canada to Israel have been paused because of Arms Embargo Now (AEN) efforts- the campaign points out that indirect exports continue as Canadian arms are still being shipped to Israel via the US.
Between October-December 2023 Canada approved $28.5M in arms exports permits to Israel-more than any other year on record and arms exports permits that were approved before January 8, 2024 are still in effect today.
Moreover, the Canadian government has not cancelled or suspended those permits or any from previous years that are still open. Canadian weapons are continuing to travel to Israel through a loop hole that allows them to move from Canada to the US en route to Israel without ever requiring a permit.
For example, according to AEN, Canadian companies and subsidiaries are continuing to supply a wide range of components to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Fighter Jet program – from machined parts, power and thermal magnetic systems controllers and fuselage sections.
Moreover, Canada is also continuing to purchase weapons from Israeli companies. AEN notes that in 2024 the Department of National Defence (DND) purchased $32.2 million US of Spike LR2 missiles, made by Israeli weapons company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. These missiles have also been used by Israel in Gaza.
Canada’s own laws require that it stop permitting the export of military technology where there is a substantial risk those exports could be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian or human rights law or commit serious acts of violence against women and children. Canada has also ratified the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), section 6(3), which prohibits the transfer of military equipment if it would be used in the commission of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity or grave breaches of the Geneva Convention.
Yet today, weapons and components continue to be transferred to Israel under hundreds of permits that were approved before January 8, 2024 and neither the former Liberal government under Justin Trudeau, nor the current government, led by Mark Carney, has done anything to change that.
In response to government inaction, NDP MP Jenny Kwan introduced private members bill C-233, formally known as An Act to Amend the Export and Import Permit Act (or Close the Loopholes Act) in late September. The goal of the bill is close the loopholes that undermine Canada’s international obligations and allow the transfer of these weapons.
Under bill C-233, every proposed military export permit would need to pass a risk test that accounts for the possibility of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The bill will go to a second reading later this month when MPs will indicate their support. If the bill passes at second reading it is accepted in principle.
People are encourage to email Prime Minister Carney’s newly appointed ministers, to call, email or write their MP and poster around their neighbourhood. Arms Embargo Now also encourages people to follow-up with their MPs and track their response on the website.
Visit: https://armsembargonow.ca/#act or access the QR code to join the campaign, find resources and email your MP to pressure them to support this bill.
Take action today! If passed, the No More Loopholes bill could change Canadian law and become a new tool to curb Canada’s complicity in genocide.
Sources: https://armsembargonow.ca
Policy Brief: Canada’s Military Trade with Israel, April 2025, justiceforallcanada.org