OTTAWA – As Ottawa warns its symbolic recognition of Palestinian statehood next week won’t immediately lead to a full embassy, pro-Palestinian activists say the Liberals should not be imposing conditions on Palestinian sovereignty.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in July that Canada would recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations next week, adding that recognition would depend on governance reforms and a free election next year.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told the Toronto Star the Palestinian Authority must meet those conditions before Ottawa fully normalizes relations and upgrades the authority’s delegation in Ottawa to a full embassy.
Tatiana Harker of the Montreal group Palestine Vivra says the conditions Ottawa is imposing amount to “blackmail” and prevent Palestinians from exercising their sovereignty.
Nima Machouf, a former NDP candidate who is taking part in a flotilla to Gaza, says Ottawa is trailing its European peers on recognizing Palestinian statehood while offering half-measures.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs says Anand’s comments speak to ongoing concerns about the Palestinian Authority, and argues Ottawa’s offer to recognize Palestinian statehood has undermined ceasefire negotiations.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2025.
