OTTAWA Canada's formal recognition of a Palestinian state has sparked a mix of applause from advocates and sharp criticism from those who argue it will not lead to sustainable peace in the region. Prime Minister Mark Carney made this significant announcement on September 21, 2025, just prior to a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. Alongside Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia also recognized the independent state of Palestine.
Canada has historically supported a two-state solution, envisioning a sovereign Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel. However, Carney indicated in July that the traditional approach of achieving this goal through direct negotiations between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority is no longer viable, citing several compelling reasons. He highlighted the ongoing threat of Hamas terrorism towards Israelis, notably referencing the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, the Knesset's vote favoring the annexation of the West Bank, and the Israeli government's ongoing failure to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
During his recent announcement, Carney emphasized the necessity for the Palestinian Authority to demonstrate commitment to reforms in governance, hold elections in 2026 in which Hamas cannot participate, and undergo demilitarization to ensure lasting peace.
The decision has faced critical backlash from Jewish advocacy groups, such as B'nai Brith Canada, which issued a statement claiming that Ottawa has succumbed to international pressure by prematurely recognizing a Palestinian state based on "empty promises" from the Palestinian Authority. According to Richard Robertson, the organization's director of research and advocacy, the Palestinian Authority has proven unreliable in governance and has repeatedly failed to meet the commitments on which Canada’s recognition is based.
Conversely, organizations like Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East celebrated Canada’s recognition as a "real policy victory," attributing it to persistent advocacy from civil society. They argue that while Canada's recognition is a step forward, it should not impose unjust conditions that contravene the Palestinian right to self-determination. The group called on Canada to help end what they term as Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims characterized the day as historic but stressed that more needs to be done beyond recognition. New Democrat MP Heather McPherson resonated with this sentiment on social media, asserting that mere recognition is insufficient without genuine action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and halt the West Bank's annexation. She warned that without decisive action, little of Palestine would remain to recognize.
The federal Conservative Party responded by accusing Carney of fostering a state dominated by Hamas, which they believe would reward terrorism and oppression against Palestinians. They reiterated their unwavering support for Israel's right to exist and to defend itself, envisioning a demilitarized and peaceful Palestinian state alongside it.
Michael Levitt, president of the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, expressed concerns that Carney’s announcement could embolden individuals who exploit the tumultuous situation in the Middle East to target Jewish Canadians. He pointed to increasing violent protests, antisemitic rhetoric, and rising physical assaults against Jews, reiterating that all Canadians should be alarmed by the growing extremism threatening public safety. Levitt described Carney’s policy decision as inappropriate for the current climate both locally and internationally.
This backdrop of strong emotions and opinions illustrates the complex and contentious landscape surrounding Palestinian statehood and its implications for Canadian foreign policy and peace efforts in the Middle East.
