Large-scale demonstrations in support of Palestine take place on the Bloor-Danforth road, attracting a significant crowd, who are advocating for an arms embargo
In the heart of Toronto, protests echoed through the streets as approximately 100 demonstrators gathered near Dundas West station, banging on pots and pans in a symbolic display of mass famine in Gaza. The peaceful demonstration, organized by local groups such as Davenport for Palestine, was met with a mixed response from city officials.
The protests have cost the city over $20 million in police costs over the past two years, according to Councillor James Pasternak. He expressed concern about the disruptions caused by the protests, urging Toronto police and the TTC to ensure safe public access to all subway stations and City of Toronto infrastructure.
However, Councillor Brad Bradford expressed trust in the city's authorities to maintain public safety and keep transit open and accessible for all.
The protests were a response to a report published in July, which showed Israel has imported hundreds of thousands of bullets from Canada since 2023, with 175,000 shipped this year alone. Canada has continued exporting military goods, including ammunition and weapons components, to Israel during the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Despite public government statements in early 2024 claiming a freeze or pause on new arms exports, detailed analyses and customs data reveal shipments well into 2025. These shipments include military-grade bullets, strategic communication and surveillance systems, and aircraft parts. The total value of military exports to Israel in early 2024 exceeded any previous yearly total.
While Global Affairs Canada announced a pause on new permits as of January 8, 2024, and suspended around 30 existing permits for goods possibly linked to Gaza, it did not cancel all permits outright. Many permits from before the freeze remain valid, enabling ongoing shipments.
Officials have cited commercial confidentiality to limit disclosure about specific exported items and their use, but investigative reports and NGOs have challenged the government's statements, accusing it of systematic deception. Some Canadian exports reportedly support Israeli defense systems like the Iron Dome.
Canadian politicians and civil society groups have expressed concern or horror at reports of continued arms shipments amid the conflict, calling for transparency and re-evaluation of export policies.
In response to the controversy, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that the bullets in question are paintball-style projectiles.
Among the protesters was Johanna Lewis, a mother of two young kids, who found it horrifying to see daily images and news of murdered children in Palestine. She expressed excitement about the renewed energy at the protests.
The protests, while causing some disruptions, did not significantly affect traffic at the intersections and TTC stations along the Bloor-Danforth subway line, as authorities were in contact to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Canadian arms exports to Israel raises questions about government accountability and the effectiveness of Canada's export controls in conflict contexts.
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