Question Period Note: Canada's vote on Palestinian Self-Determination

Canada's position regarding our change in vote at the UN from “No” to “Yes” on the resolution titled “The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.”

• Canada will always be a steadfast ally and friend of Israel and a friend of the Palestinian people.

• Canada is strongly committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel.

• Canada voted in support of this resolution as it addresses the core issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Canada strongly supports the international consensus on a two-state solution, so that both sides can have a secure and prosperous future.

• Canada has strongly reiterated our stated position and concern that there are too many resolutions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the UN. This is a situation which unfairly singles out Israel for criticism.

• Canada has voted against the vast majority of these yearly Israel-related votes.

On November 19, 2019, Canada changed its vote from “No” to “Yes” on a resolution titled “The Right of the Palestinian people to self-determination” at the UN General Assembly. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 165Y-5N-9A. The only states to vote “No” were the US, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Vanuatu. The resolution was co-sponsored by 129 countries including likeminded (EU, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Norway).

The resolution reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to an independent Palestinian state. As such, Canada voted in support of this resolution as it addresses the core issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, namely the right of both peoples to determine their own future. Canada strongly supports the international consensus on a two-state solution, so that both sides can have a secure and prosperous future.

Although we voted “Yes” on this single resolution, Canada maintains its position at the UN that there are too many resolutions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a situation which unfairly singles out Israel for criticism. We have thus maintained voting records on all other resolutions.

United Nations Resolutions on the Middle East
Every year, resolutions addressing the Arab-Israeli conflict are tabled at the UN. Canada assesses each resolution on its merits and consistency with our principles. We support resolutions that are consistent with Canadian policy on the Middle East, are rooted in international law, reflect current dynamics, contribute to the goal of a negotiated two-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, and address fairly and constructively the obligations and responsibilities of all parties to the conflict. Canada advocates a fair-minded approach and rejects one-sided resolutions and any politicization of the issues. Canada believes that the United Nations and its member states have a responsibility to contribute constructively to efforts to resolve the Israeli-Arab conflict. Canada will continue to examine carefully each of these resolutions as they come forward.

None