Table of Contents.
Why This Election Matters.
This election comes at a historic moment for Palestine solidarity—both in Canada and around the world. Over the past year and a half, we’ve witnessed unprecedented raise in public awareness, engagement and mobilization for justice in Palestine. For the first time, we have a real opportunity to push Palestine out of the margins and into the mainstream of political conversation in Canada.
We’re living through a global shift. In the United States, there is strong evidence suggesting that Harris lost the election due to voter backlash over her party’s overseeing of Israel’s genocide. In the UK’s election this past summer, four independent MPs were elected on explicitly pro-Palestinian platforms. To put it in perspective: before the most recent UK election, only seven independent MPs had been elected in the entire period since World War II. These five independent MPs have now formed an alliance calling to end arms sales to Israel—an unprecedented development in UK politics.
Now, it’s Canada’s turn. The writ has dropped and we have a chance to shape the future of our country’s relationship to Palestine.
Here in Canada, we’ve never seen people mobilize for Palestine at this scale. Protests, direct actions, and grassroots organizing have pushed the issue further into public consciousness than ever before. The narrative is shifting—and this election gives us a rare opportunity to transform that momentum into real political power.
Some of the most vocal advocates for Palestinian rights in Parliament are now facing tight races. While CJPME remains non-partisan, this election is a key opportunity to ensure that Parliament includes a stronger base of MPs who will speak out and push for real accountability on Canada’s relationship to Palestine.
The stakes could not be higher. Under Trudeau’s government, Israel enjoyed near-total impunity – and it is not yet clear if new leader Mark Carney will take the same approach. A Conservative government under Poilievre would offer even more uncritical support to the Israeli government, and would likely show unprecedented hostility towards the pro-Palestine movement. What happens in this election will directly affect people in Gaza and the West Bank.
But this isn’t just a foreign policy issue. The struggle for Palestinian liberation is tied to broader movements for justice, Indigenous sovereignty, and decolonization here in Canada. If we are serious about truth and reconciliation, we cannot support or be complicit in the ongoing genocide of Indigenous people of Palestine. A Canada that stands up for justice in Palestine is a better, more principled Canada.
And finally, this election is a chance for Canada to rethink its role on the global stage. President Trump’s recent rhetoric of making Canada the 51st state should serve as a wake-up call. Canada cannot afford to continue outsourcing its moral compass to the United States. Canada is a small power, and it should be building relationships with the rising powers and voices of the Global South—countries like Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and others that are leading the call for Palestinian rights. Similarly, Canada could align itself with European countries like Ireland, Spain, and Norway, which have strengthened their international reputation by being more proactive on Palestine. Canada’s continued complicity with Israel’s genocide is undermining its credibility on the world stage. A bold, principled stance on Palestine can help Canada reclaim a role as a global leader in human rights and justice.
How to Use This Toolkit.
This toolkit is designed to help you take action during the federal election—whether that means attending an all-candidates debate, speaking to canvassers, or reaching out to candidates in your riding. You’ll find:
- An overview of the 5 core demands of the Vote Palestine campaign—endorsed by CJPME — and how this guide complements and supports that broader effort
- Sample questions to ask candidates at debates or in conversations
- A template you can use to personalize an email to candidates in your riding
- Talking points for when canvassers knock or call
- Ideas for how to get involved with local campaigns and pro-Palestine groups
Every action you take—no matter how small—helps shift the conversation and build political pressure for change. Let’s make sure this election sends a message: Canada must stand up for Palestinian human rights, and stop arming and enabling Israeli genocide and apartheid.
Overview of Election Priorities.
This election guide complements the work of the Vote Palestine campaign—a national, grassroots initiative backed by a broad coalition of Palestinian and solidarity organizations across Canada. CJPME is a proud endorser of the campaign, and we encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with its five core demands.
These demands reflect clear and actionable steps the Canadian government can take to uphold international law, support Palestinian human rights, and protect civil liberties. They serve as a tool for voters to evaluate candidates and press for real policy commitments.
The five demands are:
- 🛑 Impose a two-way arms embargo on Israel
Canada must stop the export of weapons and military technology to Israel, and end the import of Israeli arms that have been “field-tested” on Palestinians. This includes closing loopholes that allow arms transfers via third countries like the U.S. This can easily be done by the Minister of Foreign Affairs directing Global Affairs Canada to develop regulations using their powers granted by the Special Economic Measures Act.
- 🏘️ End Canadian involvement in illegal Israeli settlements
This means banning trade and investment with settlements, revoking charitable status for organizations that support settlement activity, and prohibiting Canadians, and corporations operating in Canada, from owning or investing in settlement properties. This can be accomplished by the Minister of Justice using the powers in Canada’s Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act.
- 🗣️Address anti-Palestinian racism and protect freedom of expression
The federal government must recognize anti-Palestinian racism in Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy and ensure protections for those who speak out—especially those involved in protest, organizing, and BDS advocacy. This can be easily accomplished through a Ministerial Directive from the Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant.
- 🇵🇸Recognize the State of Palestine
More than three-quarters of UN member states recognize Palestinian statehood. Canada must join them and affirm Palestinians’ right to self-determination under international law. The Prime Minister can do this unilaterally given his powers over foreign policy.
- 🏥 Properly fund relief efforts in Gaza, including UNRWA
In the face of mass destruction in Gaza and defunding of critical aid organizations, Canada must increase and stabilize its humanitarian support—especially for UNRWA, which provides life-saving services to Palestinian refugees.
These are not the only steps Canada should take. There are additional measures that many in the pro-Palestine movement are calling for but these five platform points are the unified consensus demands prioritized by the Vote Palestine partners for this federal election.
You can read the full platform and access additional candidate engagement tools at: votepalestine.ca/platform
Engaging Candidates in Your Riding.
One of the most impactful things you can do this election is engage directly with the candidates running in your riding. Whether or not you’re a voter, reaching out sends a clear message: Palestinian human rights and international law matter to this community—and we’re paying attention.
There are a few simple steps you can take to find out where candidates stand and make your voice heard:
Step 1: Find Out Where Candidates Stand
The Vote Palestine campaign has compiled a list of candidates who have endorsed its five core demands. Check it out here: votepalestine.ca/candidates
If a candidate in your riding appears on this list, they’ve already taken a public stand for Palestinian human rights. If they’re not listed, consider reaching out to ask where they stand.
Step 2: Sign the Pledge and Email Your Candidates
The easiest way to take action is by filling out the Vote Palestine Pledge. It sends a pre-written message directly to your local candidates. You can visit the link or scan the QR code below to access the pledge.
We encourage everyone to do this—it only takes a minute.
Step 3: Send a Personalized Email from Your Own Account
If you have the capacity, go a step further: personalized messages have a much greater impact than form letters.
- Don’t use MPs’ official Parliament emails (ending in parl.gc.ca)—these are rarely checked during elections.
- Instead, look up your candidate’s campaign email (tool coming soon) and send your message there.
- Use the templates below and personalize them with your own voice and concerns.
Step 4: Call Their Campaign Office (Most Impactful!)
Calling a candidate’s campaign office is by far the most effective way to get their attention during an election. Campaign teams are much more likely to take phone calls seriously than emails.
- If no one picks up, leave a voicemail using the templates below—it will still be heard.
- If someone answers, feel free to use the talking points in the email templates for your conversation.
- The email templates below can also serve as scripts for voicemails or phone conversations.
Use the templates below to contact candidates in your riding—either by email or as voicemail scripts when calling their campaign offices. Choose the message that best fits your candidate’s position (supportive, unclear, or hostile), and feel free to personalize it to reflect your own story and concerns. Personal touches go a long way.
✅ Supportive Candidate
Subject: Your Courage on Palestine Matters
Dear [Candidate’s Name],
I wanted to personally thank you for endorsing the Vote Palestine platform and for taking a stand for justice, international law, and human rights.
Your support means a great deal to me and many others in our community who are deeply concerned about Canada’s complicity in Israel’s genocide against Palestinians.
[Add a sentence here about why this issue matters to you personally—your background, your values, your experiences.]
We need more voices in Parliament who are willing to speak up for what’s right, even when it’s not politically easy.
I hope you’ll continue to push for a two-way arms embargo on Israel, support UNRWA and relief efforts in Gaza, and advocate for real accountability and justice in Canadian foreign policy.
Wishing you all the best in the election, and thank you again for your principled stance.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City/Riding]
⚪ Neutral or Unclear Candidate
Subject: Palestine: What’s Your Position?
Dear [Candidate’s Name],
As someone living in your riding, I’m writing to ask where you stand on the five core demands of the Vote Palestine campaign, which have been endorsed by dozens of civil society and Palestinian organizations across the country.
The platform calls for a two-way arms embargo on Israel, support for relief efforts in Gaza, and protection for freedom of expression on Palestine—demands rooted in international law and basic human rights.
[Tell them why these issues matter to you personally. Have you been following events in Gaza? Do you have family or friends affected?]
[You could also mention that others in your community are paying attention too—this shows candidates there’s a broader base of support.]
This election, Palestinian rights are a top priority for me and for many in our community. I’m urging you to publicly endorse the Vote Palestine platform and commit to upholding Canada’s legal and moral responsibilities.
You can find the platform here: https://votepalestine.ca/platform
I look forward to hearing your position.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City/Riding]
❌ Hostile Candidate
Subject: Your Stance Is Shameful
Dear [Candidate’s Name],
I’m writing to express my concern about your stance on Palestine and your failure to support basic demands for justice and international law.
As someone living in your riding, I want to be clear that I will not support any candidate who is complicit in Israel’s apartheid and genocide, supports continued arms sales to Israel, or opposes protections for free expression around Palestine in Canada.
[If you’d like, add a sentence here about why this issue feels urgent or personal to you.]
[You can also mention that other voters you know feel similarly—candidates need to understand this isn’t just one voice.]
Canadians expect leadership that aligns with international law and stands against genocide, occupation, and racism. Your current position fails that test.
I urge you to reconsider your stance and endorse the Vote Palestine platform. You can learn more about it here: https://votepalestine.ca/platform
Your constituents are watching—and this issue will influence how we vote.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City/Riding]
All Candidates Debates.
What Are They and Why They Matter
All Candidates Debates (or forums) are public events where candidates running in your riding are invited to speak about their platforms and answer questions from voters. These debates are often hosted by local organizations such as community groups, media outlets, schools, or unions.
They’re one of the few times during the election when all candidates—regardless of party—are in the same room, facing the same questions. This makes them a powerful opportunity to raise the issue of Palestine and make candidates publicly state their positions in front of voters, media, and each other.
Even if you don’t speak at the debate, your presence makes a difference. Showing up lets candidates know that people in the community care about justice for Palestine—and that we’re paying attention. Wearing a keffiyeh or other Palestine gear, and attending with friends who are doing the same, can send a strong, visible message: this issue matters to your constituents.
Sample Questions to Ask Candidates
Below are suggested questions—two for each of the five core demands in the Vote Palestine campaign. One version is short and values-based, ideal for open-mic settings or those who prefer a more personal tone. The other version is policy-specific and detailed, useful for holding candidates accountable to specific legislative and policy actions.
🛑 1. Impose a Two-Way Arms Embargo on Israel
- Short form: Do you believe Canada should stop arming Israel as it carries out a genocide against Palestinians?
- Long form: Canada has only paused the issuance of new permits for direct military exports to Israel, but continues to supply weapons and weapon components through third-party channels. Meanwhile, Canadian entities also import Israeli-made military and surveillance technologies. Will you support a full and immediate two-way arms embargo on Israel—including ending all direct and indirect arms exports and halting the import of Israeli military technologies?
🏘️ 2. End Canadian Involvement in Illegal Israeli Settlements
- Short form: Will you end Canada’s complicity in Israel’s annexation of the West Bank by banning all ties with illegal settlements?
- Long form: Canada’s own laws recognize Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories as illegal under international law. Despite this, Canada continues to allow trade, investment, and charitable support for these Jewish-only settlements. Will you commit to ending Canada’s complicity in Israel’s annexation by banning all economic ties with these illegal settlements?
🗣️ 3. Address Anti-Palestinian Racism and Protect Free Expression
- Short form: Will you defend free expression and ensure anti-Palestinian racism is recognized in Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy?
- Long form: People who speak up for Palestinian rights in Canada are facing severe repression at work, in schools, and online. These vulnerable citizens need your support. Will you commit to protecting free expression on Palestine by repudiating the IHRA definition of antisemitism that unfairly tries to criminalize discussion systemic racism and international law in Israel by conflating it with hatred against Jewish people?
🇵🇸 4. Recognize the State of Palestine
- Short form: Do you support Canada immediately recognizing the State of Palestine?
- Canada says it supports a two-state solution, yet for over 75 years only recognizes a single state, Israel. Do you agree that immediately recognizing Palestinian statehood is a necessary step toward justice and lasting peace?
🏥 5. Properly Fund Relief Efforts in Gaza, Including UNRWA
- Short form: In light of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, will you support increasing Canada’s aid to UNRWA and other agencies helping Palestinians survive?
- Long form: In the wake of Israel’s ongoing genocide and widespread destruction in Gaza, millions of Palestinians are now rely on humanitarian aid in order to meet their most basic needs. Will you support increasing Canada’s funding to UNRWA and other relief agencies working on the ground to help Palestinians survive?
Tips for Attending or Submitting Questions
Check early for debate details. Follow your local riding association, library, community groups, or media for event listings. These debates often happen 2–4 weeks before election day.
- Register or RSVP. Some debates require sign-up in advance, especially if you’re submitting a question online.
- Plan your question ahead of time. Keep it short and focused. If possible, tie it to something local (“Many in our community care about…”).
- Be respectful and clear. Even a brief, calmly delivered question can have a big impact.
- Show up with others. If you’re part of a local Palestine solidarity group or chapter, attend as a group to show strength in numbers.
- Follow up afterward. Email candidates who didn’t answer clearly—or who gave encouraging responses—and ask them to go on the record by endorsing the Palestine platform.
Talking to Canvassers.
What to Say When Candidates or Volunteers Knock or Call
In the weeks leading up to the election, you’ll likely get a knock on your door or a phone call from a campaign volunteer or canvasser. These are valuable moments to raise awareness about Palestine.
Canvassers are often volunteers or staff from a candidate’s campaign. After speaking with voters, they report back what they hear—what issues are coming up, how people are feeling, and why someone does or doesn’t support their candidate. That means even a short conversation can send a strong message that people in the community care about justice for Palestinians.
Even if you don’t support a candidate or their party, it’s still worth taking the time to speak to their canvassers. You can explain why their candidate’s position on Palestine is a dealbreaker for you. That message will make its way back to their campaign office and sometimes even the candidate directly.
Talking Points by Demand
If you want to be ready when the doorbell rings or your phone buzzes, here are some brief points you can raise tied to each of the five Vote Palestine demands. Feel free to choose one or two that resonate most with you:
🛑 Two-Way Arms Embargo on Israel
“I want Canada to stop selling weapons to Israel and stop importing weapons that are used to kill and oppress Palestinians. I want to support a political party who when they observe a genocide happening they see a crime and injustice, not an opportunity for arms dealers to profit”
🏘️ End Canadian Complicity in Israeli Settlements
“Canada should not be trading with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. These are Jewish-only enclaves built on stolen Palestinian land. I want to support a party that sees that for what it is—a racist war crime, not a business opportunity.”
🗣️ Anti-Palestinian Racism & Free Expression
“I want to see candidates commit to protecting people’s right to speak up for Palestine. The government needs to address anti-Palestinian racism and stop criminalizing peaceful protest. I want to support a political party committed to protecting the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”
🇵🇸 Recognize the State of Palestine
- Option 1: “It’s long past time for Canada to recognize the State of Palestine. This is about justice—Palestinians deserve freedom, dignity, and self-determination. I want to support leaders who are willing to stand up for what’s right, not just follow what the U.S. says.”
- Option 2: “Over 70% of countries—including Ireland, Norway, and Spain—recognize Palestine. Canada’s refusal to do the same is costing us our moral credibility. I want to support leaders who believe in justice, dignity, and Palestinian self-determination.”
🏥 Properly Fund Relief for Gaza, Including UNRWA
“UNRWA is a lifeline for millions in Gaza. Cutting support during a genocide is inhumane. I want Canada to increase funding and show we stand for human rights.
Tips for Having Impactful Conversations
- Be clear and direct. You don’t need to be brief—but aim to get to the point. Whether it’s a supportive candidate or one we’re holding accountable, making your message clear is what counts.
- Use “I” statements. Speak from your own experience: “I care about this issue…”, “This affects how I vote…because …”
- Don’t feel like you have to win a debate. If the canvasser pushes back, that’s okay—feel free to engage. But your main goal is to make sure they hear where you stand and why it matters.
- Don’t worry about being an expert. Just naming the issue and showing that you care is enough to make an impression.
- Follow up if you can. If it’s a good conversation, ask for the candidate’s email or send them a follow-up message directly.
Grassroots Organizing.
Getting involved in the election matters. If there’s a candidate in your riding who has endorsed the Vote Palestine platform—and you support their stance—don’t hesitate to get involved! Volunteer. Donate. Help spread the word. Showing support still sends a powerful message: being pro-Palestine earns support, attention, and momentum. It shows parties, candidates, and even their opponents that standing up for Palestine is not a liability—it’s a strength. This kind of long-term organizing helps shift political culture and make Palestine a priority issue.
Ideas for Election-related Events and Actions in Your Community
There are so many ways to bring people together and keep Palestine on the agenda during the election—especially by creating events that feel welcoming, social, and rooted in community. These gatherings are great opportunities to talk politics, invite candidates, and show strength in numbers.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- 🎤 Host a Palestine-themed poetry or spoken word night
Invite local artists to perform. Make space for grief, joy, and resistance—and give attendees a moment to reflect and connect.
- 🎬 Organize a film screening + discussion
Pick a documentary or short film about Palestine, followed by a guided conversation. Invite a candidate or local organizer to attend and listen.
- 🍽️ Plan a community dinner or potluck
Food is powerful. Bring people together around a meal and open a conversation about what’s at stake this election—then introduce a candidate who supports the Vote Palestine platform.
- 🎨 Run a creative art-build or poster-making session
Use the time to make signs and visuals for local visibility actions. These events are accessible to all ages and are great for skill-sharing and social bonding.
- 💡 “Palestine + the Election” teach-in or community learning circle
Host a small educational event in a local café, library, or backyard where people can learn more about the platform and what’s at stake—then brainstorm how to take action together.
These events don’t have to be big or formal. The goal is to bring people together, show that Palestine is a priority in your community, and build connections that last long after election day.