Madam Minister,
We are writing to you as a collective of Canadian humanitarian organizations working in Gaza, as the mass famine reported by over 100 NGOs has now been confirmed by the latest IPC report, which shows that famine thresholds have been reached in Gaza — in a context of systematic blocking of humanitarian aid and widespread destruction of assets essential for the survival of the civilian population. This further deterioration of the humanitarian situation is all the more alarming in light of recent and deeply troubling revelations about the continuing transfer of Canadian arms to Israel in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
We are writing to you today to highlight one of the concrete ways in which you can take action. As you know, we have repeatedly called on the Government of Canada to end its military support for Israel in the context of its ongoing offensive in Gaza — and more specifically, to suspend all transfers of Canadian military equipment to Israel, whether direct or indirect. In March 2024, following the adoption of a motion in the House of Commons, the government committed to adopting a clear policy to restrict arms exports. In September 2024, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, also stated, « There are no Canadian weapons or weapon components that will end up in Gaza. »
Despite these statements — which were never published as an official policy — and our repeated requests, recently disclosed information shows that Canada has not ended its military support for Israel and has even continued to transfer arms. These facts are deeply concerning and raise serious questions about Canada’s legal and moral responsibilities, as well as its complicity in grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights committed in the context of this conflict.
As you know, under the Arms Trade Treaty
regulating export controls, Canada has a legal obligation not to authorize the export of arms or related goods where there is a substantial risk that they may be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law or human rights. Furthermore, as a State Party bound by Common Article 1 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, Canada is required to prevent the transfer of arms to any party — state or non-state — where there is a clear risk that such arms may contribute to violations of international humanitarian law. Canada also has an obligation to ensure compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2417, which prohibits the use of starvation as a weapon of war and requires States to prevent such violations.
For months, we have shared with you, as well as with your predecessor, overwhelming evidence demonstrating that such violations are being committed daily, systematically, and on a large scale by Israeli forces in Gaza.
In the face of the widespread famine imposed by Israel, the ongoing restrictions on principled humanitarian aid, and the relentless attacks by Israeli forces against civilians, humanitarian workers, journalists, and essential infrastructure, the continuation of Canadian military support is deeply shocking and unacceptable. Canada’s inaction is directly contributing to a campaign of extermination against the Palestinian people. A campaign that has already claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians, including our colleagues, partners, patients, and beneficiaries.
We therefore urge you, Madam Minister, to take decisive and immediate action to, at the very least, effectively suspend all transfers of Canadian military equipment to Israel, including by closing all loopholes allowing American arms to transit through or benefit from Canadian supply chains, and by prohibiting the transfer of surveillance technologies and dual-use technologies.
We remain ready to continue discussions with you. As noted in our letter of June 13, 2025, we would be pleased to meet with you to discuss the situation in Gaza and the important measures you can take, in line with the concrete actions announced last May by Prime Minister Carney, as well as by the leaders of the United Kingdom and France.
We urge you to act without delay. Compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights is non-negotiable. Further inaction would constitute a serious violation of Canada’s legal obligations and a profound moral failure in our country’s history.
Please accept, Madam Minister, our respectful regards.
Cooperation Canada
Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada
Humanity & Inclusion Canada
Islamic Relief Canada
Doctors of the World Canada
Mennonite Central Committee Canada
Oxfam Canada
Oxfam-Québec
Save the Children Canada