Canada has come under scrutiny for its involvement in the US’s authorization of the sale of over $20bn in weapons to Israel amid the conflict in Gaza. More than $60m worth of munitions will be manufactured by a Canadian weapons company as part of this sale, sparking concerns about Canada’s arms export regime and its commitment to preventing Canadian-made weapons from being used in human rights violations abroad as required by law.
The US and Canada have a longstanding defence partnership that allows for permit-free and license-free movement of military items between the two countries. This has raised questions about the lack of transparency and oversight in Canadian arms transfers, particularly to countries like Israel. The recent announcement that a Quebec-based company will supply munitions to Israel through the US has highlighted these concerns.
Rights advocates have criticized Canada for its flawed export controls and called for more accountability in the arms trade. Despite facing calls to impose an arms embargo on Israel, Canada has not revoked existing permits for arms exports and has not addressed transfers of weapons to the US that may ultimately end up in Israel.
Palestinian rights advocates in the US have also voiced concerns about the US’s military assistance to Israel and have called on Canada to ensure that Canadian-made weapons are not contributing to abuses against Palestinians. They argue that both Israel and the US need to be held accountable for their actions, and that it is time for other countries, including Canada, to step up and disrupt the supply chain of weaponry used in human rights violations.
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