Press release

Immediate

Shut Down CANSEC calls on Canada to bar entry to Elbit Systems 

Ottawa, ON [May 20, 2026] — Local organizers, Shut Down CANSEC, are calling on the Government of Canada to deny entry to representatives of Elbit Systems, Israel’s biggest corporation and weapons supplier to the Israeli Defence Forces, to the annual weapons trade show CANSEC taking place in Ottawa May 27-28. 

“Elbit Systems profits directly from war and occupation,” says Ahana from ILPS Canada. “At this point we know Canada has not and will not hold back from providing cover for Israel’s actions that have destabilized the globe. Israel is the biggest customer of Elbit Systems. Each Elbit contract is an international war crime. A minimum step for Canada to take would be to block Elbit from entering Canada for the weapons trade show.”

NATO members, Spain, UK, France and the Netherlands have taken steps to block Israel from entry

Spain barred Israel from the 2024 defence show, FEINDEF. Ahead of the DSEI arms fair held last year, the UK banned Israeli government representatives while permitting representatives of Elbit System. Ahead of Milipol Paris, one of the world’s largest weapons shows, a ban against Israel was overturned while Paris completely banned Israeli companies from a 2025 air show. Israel was blocked from Dutch event, NEDS in 2025.

The Chilean administration under former President Gabriel Boric imposed a two-year ban on Israel from the biennial FIDAE. This has been overturned by José Antonio Kast following his December 2025 presidential win in Chile. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Israel’s illegal abduction of 12 Canadians aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla but there is currently no indication that Israel or Elbit will be banned from entering Canada. “Instead of upholding international law, the Canadian government provides access to Israeli officials and weapons companies to 300+ suppliers and 60+ international delegations at CANSEC,” says Shut Down CANSEC.

“It’s safer to produce and sell weapons designed for mass death, than it is to call for companies like Elbit to stop arming a genocide.”

The Shut Down CANSEC campaign is focused on exposing and opposing the companies in attendance at the annual weapons trade show. ILPS stands with Indigenous people struggling for self-determination and liberation from Canadian imperialism.Contact
Shut Down CANSEC
ShutDownCANSEC@proton.me