After defending its permit-free process for transferring Canadian arms to the United States, Ottawa conducted a review of the final destination of these shipments, as reported by CBC News. The assessment, obtained through an access to information request, contains redacted main text but reveals 288 footnotes. Among them, 210 references pertain to Israel and Palestine, with significant focus on Gaza, U.S. arms shipments to Israel, and documents from the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
The assessment, titled “Human Rights Assessment–Indirect Transfers,” was authored by the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)’s internal human rights body in December 2024 and updated in March 2025. It includes details of around 30 U.S. military contracts, predominantly associated with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Canada and Patriot Forge.
One notable contract involves 105-mm ammunition destined for the U.S. Navy, awarded in 2018 and renewed in September. Another contract pertains to 150- to 200-mm guns, categorized as heavy field or howitzer guns, awarded to Patriot Forge in June 2025.
The assessment’s footnotes touch upon various aspects, including risks associated with buyers and end-users, U.S. shipments to Israel, and international legal actions involving Israel and Palestine. The document emphasizes the need for ongoing due diligence by CCC in transactions involving defense buyers and end-users.
Global Affairs Canada declined to provide specific details regarding the assessment but stated that departmental officials are in communication with relevant parties to ensure compliance with Canada’s export control regime. The CCC cited commercial confidentiality in not disclosing further information in response to inquiries.
Meanwhile, a private member’s bill introduced by NDP MP Jenny Kwan aims to address concerns about Canadian goods potentially reaching third countries after transiting through the U.S. This bill, which has garnered both support and criticism in the Canadian Parliament, is set for further debate and a vote in the coming weeks.
