A recent report by a coalition of four non-governmental organizations suggests that numerous shipments of explosives and components for fighter jets have been sent from Canada to Israel through the United States over the past two years. The report, which analyzed export data and contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense, claims that these exports are circumventing Canada’s export controls by passing through the U.S. before reaching Israel.
According to Rachel Small, a Canadian activist with the World Beyond War group, these shipments are aiding Israel in carrying out actions that are deemed as war crimes in Gaza. The report details specific instances, such as 34 shipments of military aircraft parts sent to U.S. facilities owned by Lockheed Martin, followed by transfers to Israel shortly after.
Additionally, the report highlights shipments of explosives from Quebec to the U.S., as well as TNT from Poland, all eventually making their way to Israel through various routes. The activists behind the report utilized export data and contracts to track the movement of Canadian goods to the U.S. and then to Israeli military manufacturers.
The report emphasizes the need for stricter controls, pointing out a loophole in Canada’s Export and Import Permit Act that allows Canadian companies to exploit the lack of export regulations once goods are in the U.S. This loophole, as per the report, absolves the Canadian government of accountability for any potential human rights violations resulting from the use of these military exports.
Furthermore, the report reveals instances of Canadian-manufactured aircraft components, including controllers and assemblies, being shipped to Israel. The activists are calling for a complete embargo on the flow of weapons and military components to Israel through both direct and indirect channels, urging the Canadian government to take action.
The findings were presented at a news conference, where opposition MP Jenny Kwan introduced a bill to address the issue of arms control loopholes. The bill, supported by multiple MPs, including Liberal MP Salma Zahid, aims to end exemptions for arms control permits granted by the U.S. government. Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Nitro-Chem were contacted for comments, with Lockheed Martin referring inquiries to the governments and Nitro-Chem declining to provide specific details due to the sensitive nature of its operations.