Canada has long been known to support human rights and the rule of law, but its voting record at the United Nations on Palestinian rights calls that reputation into question. Since 2011, Canada has consistently voted against or abstained from key UN resolutions supporting Palestinian rights, making it a minority alongside Israel, the United States and a few Pacific island nations. This position directly contradicts Canada’s foreign policy, which acknowledges the illegality of Israeli settlements and affirms the Palestinian right to self-determination.
The shift began under the Stephen Harper government and has largely continued under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Despite Trudeau’s stated support for a two-state solution, Canada’s voting record shows a different reality. Over the past decade, Canada has voted against or abstained from numerous UN resolutions related to Palestine. Most recently, Canada abstained on a resolution calling for Israel to end its occupation of Gaza and the West Bank.
This ongoing trend raises concerns about Canada’s credibility as a proponent of human rights on the global stage. Such a discrepancy not only alienates Canada from its traditional allies but also raises ethical questions about its foreign policy priorities. This pattern of voting isolates Canada from some of its Western European allies, who are supporting resolutions that affirm Palestinian rights and uphold international law.
Canada’s role in international diplomacy
Canada’s alignment with Israel and the United States is particularly concerning given its historical role as a leader in multilateralism. The current stance on Palestine raises doubts about whether Canada remains committed to these ideals. Recently, the Canadian government faced significant debate in the House of Commons regarding a motion that called for recognizing Palestine as a state, reflecting a potential shift in policy. While the motion ultimately did not lead to full recognition, it highlighted the growing urgency of the Palestinian situation and the need for a more balanced approach.
European nations such as France, Spain, Norway, and Ireland have voted in favour of resolutions that address Palestinian rights. Moreover, several countries have recognized Palestine as a state in recent years, reinforcing the international consensus around Palestinian rights.
Canada’s recognition of Kosovo in 2008, despite Serbia’s objections, serves as a relevant example. Kosovo’s recognition was a significant gesture toward supporting the rights of marginalized populations seeking self-determination. If Canada were to extend similar recognition to Palestine, it would align its foreign policy with the principles of justice and human rights that it espouses.
Contradictions in Canada’s values
This issue goes beyond foreign policy — it reflects Canada’s domestic values. Canada’s official policy supports the establishment of a viable Palestinian state and condemns the expansion of Israeli settlements. However, when it comes time to vote at the UN, Canada often takes positions that contradict this stance. While Harper openly supported Israel’s controversial actions, Trudeau, though adopting a more measured tone, has largely maintained these voting patterns. Although in 2019, Canada voted in favour of a resolution affirming the right of Palestinians to self-determination, the vote was a rare departure from its usual stance and seems to be the exception.
A broader commitment to anti-colonialism
Canada’s approach to Palestine is also relevant in the context of its domestic reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission outlined Canada’s responsibility to address the settler colonial legacies that harm Indigenous peoples. Recognizing Palestine could be an extension of this commitment on an international level. The Israeli occupation of Palestinian land is settler-colonial in nature and by supporting Palestinian self-determination, Canada would remain consistent in its promise, both at home and abroad.
A path forward
The time has come for Canada to align its voting record with its foreign policy principles. This involves supporting resolutions that condemn illegal Israeli settlements, calling for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories and affirming the right of Palestinians to self-determination. These are not radical positions; they are consistent with Canada’s historical commitments to international law and human rights.
Canada cannot remain silent. By supporting UN resolutions that affirm Palestinian rights and call for accountability, Canada can contribute to a fair and lasting solution to the conflict. Canada’s current voting pattern on Palestinian rights contradicts its foreign policy and values. If Canada is to play a meaningful role in global diplomacy, it must reassess its approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. A balanced and principled stance would better reflect Canada’s commitment to human rights and international law, paving the way for peace. The time for change is now.
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