Thirteen Arrested at Ottawa CANSEC Protest as Pro-Israel Advocates Defend Critical Defence Industry
Ottawa – On May 28, 2025, thirteen anti-Israel protesters were arrested by Ottawa Police following demonstrations outside the CANSEC defence industry convention held at the EY Centre. The annual event, Canada’s largest military and defence trade show, draws thousands of industry professionals, government officials, and diplomats, showcasing critical military technologies and equipment.
The protesters, including members of groups such as the Palestinian Youth Movement and Labour for Palestine Ottawa, blocked Uplands Drive near the venue and engaged in acts of mischief, including splashing paint on roadways and reportedly preparing to target police officers with paint-filled bottles. Police intervened after repeated attempts to negotiate with demonstrators failed, leading to arrests on charges of mischief and assaulting police. One conference attendee sustained minor injuries during the protest.
SEVERAL ARRESTS!
— dahlia kurtz ✡︎ דליה קורץ (@DahliaKurtz) May 28, 2025
Looks like this group of resistance recruits weren't able to implement their training.
They're at the Ottawa Police station now, crying to get their anti-soap buddies back.
Good thing they don't like soap. You wouldn't want any of them dropping it in jail! pic.twitter.com/7RTnlSwOeD
The demonstrators demanded that the Canadian government immediately halt all arms exports to Israel and cancel planned arms imports, citing opposition to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. The protest also extended to the Ottawa Police Service headquarters on Elgin Street, where an additional individual was arrested for causing a disturbance.
Pro-Israel Perspective: Supporting Israel’s Right to Self-Defense
While the protests framed the CANSEC event as fueling conflict, pro-Israel advocates emphasize the vital role Canada’s defence industry plays in supporting Israel’s security and the broader fight against terrorism. Israel faces persistent threats from Hamas and other militant groups, which have launched thousands of rocket attacks and orchestrated deadly terror campaigns, including the October 7, 2023, massacre that claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives.
Canada’s military cooperation and arms exports are critical to ensuring Israel can defend its citizens and maintain stability in a volatile region. Defence Minister David McGuinty, speaking at CANSEC, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to rebuilding Canada’s military capabilities, including tripling military spending from 2014 levels by 2030, underscoring the importance of strong defence partnerships.
Balancing Security and Peace
The arrests at CANSEC highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding Canada’s military support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict. While peaceful protest is a democratic right, law enforcement must balance this with public safety and the protection of lawful events.
Pro-Israel voices argue that calls to halt arms exports to Israel ignore the reality of terrorism and the necessity for Israel to defend itself against existential threats. They caution that undermining Israel’s security capabilities risks emboldening militant groups and destabilizing the region further.
The CANSEC protest and subsequent arrests underscore the polarized views on Canada’s role in international defence and security. As Canada strengthens its military partnerships, including with Israel, it faces the challenge of addressing legitimate concerns while supporting allies confronting ongoing terror threats.
This article reflects verified information and provides a pro-Israel perspective on the recent protests and arrests at Canada’s premier defence industry conference.