As Palestinian Authority Postpones Elections, CIJA Calls on Canada to End Double Standard on Accountability
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON—October 9, 2026—Following confirmation that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is breaking its commitment of elections in 2026, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) released the following statement calling on the Government of Canada to take concrete measures to hold the PA accountable:
“Just over a year ago, Prime Minister Carney recognized Palestinian statehood on the basis of commitments made by the Palestinian Authority, including holding general elections in 2026 and undertaking 'much-needed reforms.'
“Today, the PA has confirmed it has broken its commitment to hold elections in 2026. The PA has also failed to enact reforms, including ending payments to terrorists and the families of those who murdered innocent civilians.
“While Israel faces punitive measures from the Canadian government, the Palestinian Authority has yet to face accountability for failing to deliver on its commitments. This is a dangerous double standard that has implications for both the region and here in Canada where security experts warn that criticism of Israel has been exploited to fuel antisemitism, violence and even acts of terror.
“Prime Minister Carney has said Canadian foreign policy is guided by 'taking the world as it is, not as we wish it to be,' and by the pursuit of influence.
“But influence must be measured by results. If recognizing Palestinian statehood has not secured even the commitments on which that recognition was predicated, Canadians deserve to know what Canada's approach is achieving. Canadians need to know what concrete steps their government will now take to hold the PA accountable and ensure its policies produce meaningful progress toward peace."
