The recent protests at CANSEC, North America’s largest arms and military convention, have brought attention to the complicity of Israeli and Canadian military and arms companies in the ongoing violence in Gaza. Hundreds of demonstrators have gathered to block the entrances to the event, confronting representatives from companies like Elbit Systems, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Boeing, who have been supplying weapons used in the attacks on Palestinians in Gaza. The protests highlight the devastating impact of these companies‘ actions and call for accountability for their role in the violence.
Rachel Small, an organizer with World BEYOND War, emphasized the urgency of addressing the war crimes and bloodshed facilitated by these arms dealers. She stated, „Dozens of people were burned alive in Israeli attacks on a displaced persons camp in Rafah this week, a place that Israel designated as a ’safe‘ zone. And the people profiting from this crime, who provided weapons for the massacre of tens of thousands of Palestinians, are right here at CANSEC. Today, we are preventing anyone from approaching this arms fair without confronting the war crimes and destructive bloodshed in which these arms dealers and military representatives are complicit.“
The protest aims to condemn war profiteering and show solidarity with Palestinians and others affected by conflict worldwide. Companies showcasing their weapons at CANSEC have made record profits from military violence that has brought misery to millions this year, from Palestine to Sudan, from Congo to Ukraine, from Afghanistan and West Papua to Ethiopia. The demonstration seeks to shed light on the devastating consequences of the arms trade and demand accountability for the atrocities committed with these weapons.
Sarah Abdul-Karim, a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement, emphasized the direct link between arms sales and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. She stated, „Every time Israel bombs Gaza, the stocks of Israeli arms manufacturers like Elbit skyrocket. They use the people of Gaza as a way to advertise their weapons. They also test new weapons on our people, then attend CANSEC here in Ottawa and advertise the same weapons as ‚field-tested.‘ We demand an immediate investigation into arms trading!“
The protests have garnered support from a diverse coalition of groups, including 30 Members of Parliament from the Liberal, NDP, and Green parties, along with over 250 unions, human rights and environmental organizations, religious institutions, and social groups. Together, they are calling for a full and immediate arms embargo on Israel. The Quebec Bloc has also joined the call, urging the Canadian government to halt all arms trade with Israel.
Canadian companies have been supplying key components for fighter jets, warships, drones, and attack helicopters used by the Israeli military in Gaza. Despite promises to pause future arms export approvals to Israel, the Canadian government has continued to allow the export of military goods to Israel under existing permits. This complicity in the violence has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into arms trading practices.
The protests at CANSEC serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the arms trade and the need for accountability in the face of ongoing violence and conflict. As demonstrators continue to demand justice and transparency, the spotlight remains on the companies profiting from war and the governments enabling their actions. The call for an arms embargo on Israel and a reevaluation of Canada’s arms trade policies underscores the urgent need for change in the global arms industry.