The question of Palestinian refugees has been a core issue in the Arab-Israeli conflict since 1948. As the "gavel-holder" of the Refugee Working Group (RWG) Canada has a responsibility towards all Palestinian refugees. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, "Canada believes that a just solution to the Palestinian refugee issue is central to a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as called for in United Nations General Assembly resolution 194 (1948) and United Nations Security Council resolution 242. …This solution should respect the rights of the refugees, in accorrdance with international law."

In 1997 by the Arab League called for a boycott of the multilaterals in protest over Israeli policies and the Netanyahu government's unrelenting, illegal settlement construction. Lower-level work by the RWG continued until the second Intifada in September 2000. 

As he revives the RWG, Minister Cannon must take account of the sensitivities of this file and be fully transparent. His plan must be respectful of Canada's policy towards Palestinian refugees, especially as he also reportedly stated that Canada "wants to make a meaningful contribution to the 'peace process' between Israel and its neighbours." 

Earlier this year, extremist West Bank settler Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman recognized that "It's hard to find a country friendlier to Israel than Canada these days…. No other country in the world hass demonstrated such full understanding of us." His is not the endorsement that Canada should seek or celebrate. 

NCCAR therefore urges the Canadian government to redress the pro-Israel tilt and return to an impartial position anchored in international law. This is what will help Canada contribute effectively, not to the process, but to peace itself.