The war and the cost on civilians continues to be horrific. There is urgent need for a lasting ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a critical point. I strongly support all efforts to make sure sufficient aid reaches people in Gaza who are in desperate need. Canada is playing an active role in ensuring that our aid is reaching Palestinian civilians, including recently having the Canadian Forces airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza. Canada has stepped up with one of the strongest humanitarian responses in the world. We have committed over $340 million in aid, including $30 million in new funding to help address the needs of Palestinian civilians. Our Foreign Affairs Minister, Anita Anand, further emphasized that Canada is ready to support early recovery efforts, when conditions allow, through $20 million in funding to the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) to help resume basic health services.
Canada has recently announced its intention to recognize the state of Palestine at the UN in September. Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution – an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security. I too have long supported this goal. Canada’s intention to recognize Palestinian statehood in September is a step toward achieving the two states and is made against the backdrop that a negotiated settlement to create this outcome has become less tenable due to many factors including the violent actions and threats from Hamas and Israel’s accelerated settlement in the West Bank.
However, much more work will need to be done to move towards a lasting peace. Prime Minister Carney stated: “Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism and it means honouring the peaceful coexistence of [an] Israeli and Palestinian state as the only road map for secure and prosperous long-term future”. I have attached the transcript of his statement for your information here: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state | Prime Minister of Canada.
As our Prime Minister said, the recognition of a Palestinian state is predicated on several factors including having the Palestinian Authority fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state.
I welcome the declaration made by the EU and Arab League including Qatar, Saudia Arabia and Egypt that states: “In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objectives of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State”.
I have had many questions about arms exports to Israel. Our Foreign Affairs Minister has addressed a recent report that alleged that there have been continued shipments of lethal weapons by Canadian companies, contrary to the pauses on permits that have been in place since the beginning of 2024. The law is clear. No company can export controlled goods without a valid permit. Violations carry serious legal consequences, including fines, seizures, and criminal prosecution.
Canada’s review of the allegations so far found incorrect or misleading claims regarding Canada’s export regime. Minister Anand stated that incorrect claims include: “Items identified as ‘bullets’ are in fact paintball-style projectiles. They are accompanied by equipment designed to make a firearm inoperable with traditional rounds. These cannot be used in combat, and if they were, they would require a permit that would not be granted. No mortars have been shipped from Canadian manufacturers to Israel, either directly or indirectly, since before permits were suspended. At no time are explosive materials such as bullets or other munitions transported on passenger aircraft.”
We all need to continue to work diplomatically towards a lasting peace in the region, including aid and rebuilding of Gaza, and the immediate release of hostages. My commitment remains to work towards that resolution.
Sincerely,
Julie
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Hon. Julie Dabrusin, P.C. Minister of Environment and Climate Change MP, Toronto-Danforth | Deputée, Toronto-Danforth Office | Bureau 1028 Queen St. East Toronto, Ontario M4M 1K4 Click on “Get Updates” to receive email newsletters: https://juliedabrusin.libparl.ca/
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