Canadians call on newly elected Liberal government to end all arms trade with Israel
On May 28, virtually every attendee arriving at CANSEC—North America’s largest annual arms trade show—was met with the piercing cry of “war criminal,” as over 300 protesters gathered to denounce war profiteering and Canada’s complicity in crimes against humanity committed by Israeli armed forces and political authorities since October 7, 2023.
Inside the arms fair, the focus was on Canada-US relations, European militarization and NATO commitments. But protesters outside were highlighting the presence of weapons companies and parts manufacturers implicated in Israeli war crimes. Amid Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza and the continued blockade of humanitarian aid, they were calling for an immediate and full arms embargo and divestment from companies complicit in war crimes and illegal occupation.
Local and provincial police, outfitted in anti-riot gear, maintained a heavy presence, while private security guarded the outer gates. A surveillance drone hovered above the parking lot outside CANSEC’s gated entrance. Police lines were positioned tightly around protesters, frequently leaving no room for media to move between and document the demonstration.
Demonstrators gathered at multiple access points around the EY Centre. That morning, a group—primarily women—formed a blockade on Uplands Drive, covering the street, their hands, and their clothing in red paint, symbolizing the bloodshed in Gaza.
Out of a population of just under 5.8 million, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the start of Israel’s assault. Among the dead are at least 1,400 health care workers and 181 journalists, including international personnel. (more...)
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