Refuse support for US–Israel operations

AI summary

Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to refuse support for US–Israel operations, uphold IHL, condemn attacks on civilians, and seek a UN ceasefire and investigations. The government responds it has not participated and supports investigations.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the Government of Canada On 28 February 2026, during the opening phase of the United States–Israeli military attacks on Iran, a girls’ elementary school in Minab, Iran was struck during the school day, reportedly killing over 160 people, most of them schoolchildren; Reports have also emerged that a freshwater desalination facility on Qeshm Island was attacked, disrupting the drinking water supply for dozens of villages that depend on the facility for clean water; and Canadians do not wish their country to be complicit—directly or indirectly—in military actions that harm civilians or escalate regional war. We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Publicly condemn attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Iran, including the bombing of schools and water infrastructure; 2. Affirm Canada’s commitment to international humanitarian law and support independent international investigations into alleged war crimes committed during the conflict; 3. Ensure that Canada provides no military, intelligence, logistical, or diplomatic support for the ongoing United States–Israeli military campaign against Iran; 4. Advocate for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations through the United Nations and other international forums; and 5. Promote multilateral diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Parliamentary Secretary Rob Oliphant The Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for raising their concerns regarding the impacts on Iranian civilians of the United-States-Israel-Iran war. The Government of Canada was not consulted, did not participate, and has no plans to participate in any future offensive actions against Iran that are being undertaken by the United States and Israel. Canada reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and to protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure in all armed conflicts. Canada supports credible, independent and impartial international investigations into alleged war crimes to ensure accountability and the rule of law. The Government of Canada has consistently called on all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint, respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and return to dialogue to advance a diplomatic solution to end this crisis. The Government of Canada welcomes the extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and supports diplomatic discussions towards a durable end to the conflict. Since February 28, 2026, Canada has intensified diplomatic engagement with regional Gulf partners, allies, and international organizations to reinforce collective responses. Canada also issued multiple statements in support of a diplomatic solution to the conflict. For instance, on March 27, 2026, Canada joined a G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Iran calling for an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, the permanent restoration of safe and toll-free freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and mitigation of global economic shocks to energy, fertilizer, and commercial supply chains. The Government of Canada continues to call for perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses to be held accountable and emphasizes the importance of respecting and protecting the rights of all individuals. To this end, Canada is supporting independent investigations and accountability through multilateral mechanisms, including through the efforts of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran and relevant independent investigative mechanisms, including the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is mandated to examine and establish the facts, circumstances and structural causes of human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and to preserve evidence for use in any independent legal proceedings. At the United Nations Human Rights Council on March 16, 2026, Canada delivered a joint intervention with Australia and New Zealand imploring all parties to the conflict to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and prioritize pathways for diplomacy. On March 27, 2026, during an urgent debate at the Human Rights Council on “the aerial attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girl's School in Minab, Iran, as a grave breach of international humanitarian law and international human rights,” Canada intervened to express its concern regarding the tragic deaths of 168 schoolchildren in Minab, Iran, and call for an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident, accountability and redress for victims, and the endorsement and implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration. The Government of Canada also remains concerned about the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Canada has been clear that respect for international navigation rights through the Strait of Hormuz is necessary under international law and critical to stabilising energy markets and supply chains. Canada is intensifying coordination with allies and partners about their direct security needs and is prepared to support where Canadian capabilities can meaningfully contribute to civilian and maritime security, including under the United Kingdom and France-led efforts. To this end, Canada stands ready to support a Strait of Hormuz defence mission in three potential areas of assistance: maritime logistics, demining support, and satellite imagery in support of France-United Kingdom efforts, should conditions permit. The best prospect for peace is to refrain from escalatory action and to secure a negotiated end to the conflict. Canada will continue to work with allies and partners, bilaterally and multilaterally, to support a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, and address Iran’s destabilizing actions in the region, including its support to terrorist organizations, ballistic missile and nuclear programs, and its systemic human rights violations.