Ahead of Canada’s Türkiye Visit, CIJA Raises Canada’s Double Standard on Accountability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – October 20, 2026 – Ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Türkiye, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued the following statement questioning the consistency of Canada’s approach to foreign policy, engagement and accountability:

“Prime Minister Carney has articulated a foreign policy approach that advances Canada’s strategic interests and builds influence abroad. Yet the Canadian government’s approach to Türkiye, Israel and the Palestinian Authority raises serious questions about how consistently that principle is applied.

“As Canada prepares to deepen economic and security ties with Türkiye, Canadian media reported that Canada declined to join European allies in condemning President Erdoğan’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ communities, including police raids, arrests and legal proceedings against activists. Türkiye has also occupied Northern Cyprus for more than five decades, a place where 28 Canadian peacekeepers were killed.

“By contrast, Canada has repeatedly pursued public condemnation and punitive measures against Israel, including trade restrictions.

“This double standard extends to the Palestinian Authority. The PA in coordination with Hamas and Islamic Jihad has postponed elections until at least 2027, breaking an explicit commitment that predicated Canada’s recognition of Palestinian statehood. Although Canada joined Australia, France and the United Kingdom in expressing regret, the government has offered no indication of consequences for Palestinian leaders who failed to honour their commitments.

“If Canadian foreign policy is to advance our national interests and contribute to peace and security, accountability must be applied consistently, not selectively. Otherwise, the Canadian government risks a dangerous double standard that undermines Canada’s influence in the Middle East and has consequences for the safety of Canadians as security experts warn that criticism of Israel has been exploited by extremists to fuel radicalization, antisemitism and even acts of terror.”

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Background Information

• Statement on Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state, July 30, 2025
• David Vigneault, former CSIS Director, warned on the BBC that people who do not know what they are talking about have exploited criticism of Israel to fuel radicalization, antisemitism, and even commit terrorist acts on Canadian soil.