Full arms embargo on Israel
Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to immediately enact a full arms embargo on Israel, cancelling export permits, banning Israeli arms imports and blocking arms shipments transiting Canada. The government responds that it suspended relevant permits, reviews exports case-by-case under Canadian law and does not provide financial, logistical or material support for Israel’s military operations.
Why we would sign this petition
- It would immediately stop Canadian arms, permits and transits that petitioners say enable Israel’s military operations, reducing material support for actions they allege harm civilians.
- It would align Canada with past embargoes and the Arms Trade Treaty, addressing petitioners’ claim that current exports violate international humanitarian law.
- It would increase pressure on Israel and international partners to change military conduct and facilitate humanitarian access, addressing the petitioners’ urgent call for civilian protection.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- An embargo could disrupt allied supply chains and may be ineffective if other countries continue exports, limiting its practical impact.
- Canada already reviews and suspends permits case-by-case; critics may argue an immediate embargo duplicates existing controls and removes discretion.
- Such a measure could strain diplomatic ties and hinder Canada’s leverage in negotiations or multilateral efforts to secure a ceasefire and aid access.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WHEREAS Israel's assault on Gaza has resulted in over 57,500 Palestinian deaths, including more than 17,400 children, and has devastated essential infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, water systems, and shelters; WHEREAS numerous international legal experts, human rights organizations, and UN bodies have raised credible allegations that Israel is committing war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and genocide in Gaza; WHEREAS Canada continues to permit the export of military goods and technology to Israel, including components used in weapons systems, despite this being a violation of international humanitarian law and Canada's own Arms Trade Treaty obligations; AND WHEREAS the Government of Canada has, in the past, imposed arms embargoes on countries accused of international law violations, including South Africa during apartheid and Russia during its invasion of Ukraine; We, the undersigned electors of Bruce-Grey Owen Sound, call upon the Government of Canada to immediately enact a full arms embargo on Israel, including: Cancelling all existing permits for the export of arms and military technology to Israel; Prohibiting the import of Israeli weapons and military technology into Canada; Blocking weapons shipments to Israel that pass through Canadian territory from third countries, including the USA; Ending any financial, logistical, or material support that enables Israel's military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Rob Oliphant The Government of Canada welcomes the comprehensive peace plan for Gaza being advanced by President Trump and thanks the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye for their tireless mediation efforts. Canada calls on the parties to fully uphold the ceasefire and engage constructively on subsequent phases of the peace plan. The crucial next steps are for Hamas to return all hostages’ remains as soon as possible and follow through on its commitment to transfer power, and for Israel to remain withdrawn behind agreed-upon lines and facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian aid flows into Gaza. It is vital that the parties continue to engage constructively in negotiations to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement, as stipulated in the United States’ plan. In line with Canada’s foreign policy since 1947, a two-state solution is the only viable path to long-term peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and the Middle East more broadly. On September 21, 2025, Canada recognized the State of Palestine to preserve prospects for a two-state solution. Since October 2023, Canada has committed more than $400 million in international assistance in response to the humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank. Canada continues to urge Israel to ensure the delivery of unimpeded humanitarian assistance at scale and through a coordinated United Nations-led system, and to put all measures possible in place to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers. With regards to export permits, Canada has not approved any new permits for items to Israel that could be used in the conflict in Gaza since January 8, 2024. In 2024, Canada also suspended approximately 30 export permits for items destined to Israel. All permits suspended in 2024 remain suspended and cannot be used to export to Israel. All export permit applications for controlled items are reviewed on a case-by-case basis under Canada’s robust risk assessment framework, including against the criteria set out in the Arms Trade Treaty enshrined inCanada’s Export and Import Permits Act. Canada’s diplomatic missions abroad and relevant government experts are consulted as part of the export permit review process to ensure consideration for local and regional situations and associated security risks. In deciding whether to issue a permit, Canada’s comprehensive legislative framework mandates that international humanitarian law must be taken into consideration. Additionally, if there is a substantial risk that the export of the controlled goods or technology specified in the application could result in any of those negative consequences, this permit will be denied. Canada has one of the world’s strongest military export control systems. We not only meet our obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty, we exceed them. We take allegations of the inappropriate diversion of exported materials seriously and investigate them rigorously. We are vigilant in our enforcement of the law, and those who breach it are held accountable. As is the case in most countries, Canadian law controls certain exports, but is unable to control the subsequent export of Canadian goods and technology by other countries. However, Canada assesses the risk of diversion as part of the export control review process. Canada also works with other states to prevent diversion, including through its active membership in the four multilateral export control regimes: the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Australia Group. The Government of Canada does not provide financial, logistical, or material support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza or the West Bank. Canada has always been clear that the protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Canada has also been clear that Israel must adhere to international law.