A recent report by a coalition of four non-governmental organizations (NGOs) claims that numerous shipments of explosives and fighter jet parts have been transported from Canada to Israel through the United States in the past two years. The report, based on export data and U.S. Department of Defense contracts, alleges that these shipments are evading Canadian export controls by being routed through the U.S. and are ultimately aiding Israel in conducting military actions in Gaza.
The report details 34 shipments of military aircraft components sent between April 2024 and August of the current year. These components were reportedly first sent to U.S. facilities owned by Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35 fighter jet, before being swiftly transferred to Israel. Additionally, the report highlights 360 aircraft part shipments to an F-35 assembly plant in Texas, 150 shipments of explosives from Quebec to the U.S., and 433 TNT shipments from Poland to the U.S. and then to Israel via Quebec’s Port of Saguenay.
According to the report, Canadian-made goods are exploiting a legal loophole in Canada’s Export and Import Permit Act by entering the U.S., where they become untraceable by Global Affairs Canada. This loophole allegedly allows the Canadian government to distance itself from the eventual use of these exports, thereby absolving itself of responsibility for any potential human rights violations.
The report further discloses instances of Canadian-manufactured aircraft parts reaching Israel. For example, power and thermal management controllers from Honeywell Aerospace in Mississauga, Ontario, were among the components documented. Another manufacturer, Héroux-Devtek in Laval, Quebec, reportedly shipped mechanical systems to Texas before they were forwarded to Israel.
In response to the report, Global Affairs Canada stated that no new permits for items potentially used in the conflict in Gaza have been approved since January 2024. The NGOs behind the report are urging the Canadian government to cease all arms and military components exports to Israel, whether directly or indirectly through the U.S. loophole. The findings were presented at a news conference, with opposition NDP MP Jenny Kwan advocating for legislative action to address the issue.
Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Nitro-Chem, key companies mentioned in the report, were contacted for comments. Lockheed Martin redirected inquiries to the Canadian and U.S. governments, while Nitro-Chem declined to provide specifics on their contracts due to the “sensitive nature of operations” and current geopolitical circumstances. The companies emphasized compliance with international laws and regulations in their operations.
