THE PALESTINE PLATFORM
The Palestine Platform outlines the unified demands of the Palestinian community and people across the country who consider Canada’s position on Palestine a top election issue. It was developed by the Palestinian community and solidarity partners across Canada, and is grounded by Canada’s obligations under international law, as enshrined in domestic laws and policies.
Constituents can use this platform to evaluate the candidates in their riding to help them decide who to vote for on election day. Candidates can review the platform to understand the expectations of Canadian voters who support justice for Palestinians.
We encourage all residents (voters or not) to speak to your local candidates and ask them to endorse these five platform points. Let them know that this election you will only support candidates that stand up for Palestinian human rights and international law.
Impose a two-way arms embargo on Israel
Arms dealers in Canada export weapons (including parts and components) as well as military and security technology to Israel, both directly and via the United States. The Canadian military and defence industry also purchases Israeli weapons and parts, which are field-tested on Palestinians, thus directly funding Israel’s war efforts and economy. These military imports and exports make Canada complicit in Israel’s atrocities carried out in the illegally occupied Palestinian territory. The Canadian government must impose a full and immediate two-way arms embargo on Israel that includes ending military trade with Israel through the US or any other third party state.
End Canadian involvement in illegal Israeli settlements
While Canadian foreign policy formally recognizes Israeli settlements are in violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, making them war crimes, Canada has failed to take measures against Israel’s ongoing violations of international law and theft of Palestinian land. The Canadian government can take immediate measures to end its complicity in these crimes such as: banning all engagement with illegal Israeli settlements, including financial investments, trade in goods or services, and cultural and academic exchanges; revoking the charitable status of Canadian charities found to support Israeli settlements; and prohibiting the ownership, sale, or rental of properties located in illegal Israeli settlements by anyone in Canada.
Address anti-Palestinian racism and protect freedom of expression on Palestine
Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy recognizes that Palestinians in Canada face unprecedented levels of hate. Nonetheless, those speaking out against Israel’s illegal occupation and genocide are being targetted by police and facing malicious prosecutions; denounced in parliament; are subjected to disciplinary measures by employers; and are silenced by public institutions like universities. The Canadian government can stop perpetuating anti-Palestinian racism and meet its commitments to fighting systemic racism in Canada by fully recognizing anti-Palestinian racism in Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy and protecting the free expression and civil rights of those engaging in various forms of protest, including Boycotts, Divestments, Sanctions (BDS) in support of Palestinian rights.
Recognize the state of Palestine
The state of Palestine is currently recognized by more than three quarters of UN member states, including Ireland, Spain, and Norway. Although recognition of Palestinian statehood by Canada would be largely symbolic, it would serve to add diplomatic pressure on Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. Canada must support the Palestinian people’s enshrined right to self determination within international law.
Properly fund relief efforts in Gaza, including UNRWA
Since October 2023, Israel has destroyed more than 85% of Gaza’s infrastructure including homes, hospitals, and schools, leaving the Gaza Strip in ruins. Canada must play a substantial role in the relief efforts to help rebuild Gaza, especially in light of rising threats to defund critical aid organizations. This includes properly funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) which has been a lifeline for Palestinian refugees in the occupied territory and throughout the region, yet has lost millions in funding due to the US government’s withdrawal of support. By ensuring adequate funding for relief efforts, including UNRWA, Canada would fulfill its responsibility to the international community.
