LONDON, Ont. – Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the Best Defence Conference at RBC Place in downtown London on October 21, 2025, blocking entrances and voicing strong opposition to Canada’s ongoing military trade, particularly with Israel. The protest, which drew approximately 100 individuals, highlighted escalating calls for an immediate arms embargo on Israel and a halt to increased military spending, reflecting a trending global debate.
Protestors Block Entry, Demand Embargo
The demonstration effectively disrupted the opening of the Best Defence Conference, an event billed as a premier gathering for Canadian aerospace, defence, and public safety sectors. Protesters obstructed access to the convention centre, with some employing bicycle locks to secure doors. Participants, some travelling from across southern Ontario, articulated their demands clearly: an immediate two-way arms embargo on Israel and an end to military spending increases. Organizers stated their intent was to condemn companies that supply weapons used in conflicts, with some protesters explicitly linking the companies to alleged complicity in the “genocide in Gaza.” One spokesperson for the protesters, Rachel Small of World Beyond War, declared, “We felt that we can’t let a convention like this happen in our city. This is not a place for weapons dealers.”
Tensions and Police Response
The protest was not without confrontation. Reports indicate physical scuffles between demonstrators and event staff, with some protesters utilizing steel fencing from a nearby construction site. London police were present in significant numbers to manage the situation and ensure safety. Several officers were observed tackling individuals during the morning’s events. Ultimately, one arrest was made in connection with property damage, and police reported that roads in the vicinity were temporarily closed before reopening later in the morning, with the demonstrators having dispersed by approximately 11 a.m.
The Best Defence Conference and its Sponsors
The Best Defence Conference serves as a significant platform for Canadian defence and security companies to connect with representatives from the Canadian Armed Forces and government procurement specialists. The event aims to foster strategic partnerships and provide insights into Canadian procurement programs. This year’s conference listed prominent sponsors, including General Dynamics, Deltek, Elbit Systems, and Nortac Defence. General Dynamics, a major defence contractor with operations in London, Ontario, declined to comment on the protest.
Broader Context: Canada’s Arms Export Policies
The protest in London, Ontario, occurs amidst a backdrop of intensifying international pressure and domestic activism concerning Canada’s role in the global arms trade, particularly with Israel. United Nations human rights experts have specifically called for an arms embargo on Israel, warning that countries like Canada, which export military goods, could be held liable for aiding and abetting war crimes. Canada’s federal government stated in early 2024 that it had paused the authorization of new arms export permits to Israel. However, concerns persist regarding existing permits that remain valid and potential loopholes that may allow Canadian-made military components to reach Israel, including through the United States. Organizations like the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have continued to advocate for an immediate and comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Companies Under Scrutiny
Among the sponsors of the Best Defence Conference, several companies have faced scrutiny related to their involvement in defence and their ties to Israel. Elbit Systems, an Israeli military technology firm with a Canadian subsidiary, is a significant supplier of drones and other military equipment to the Israeli military. Canada has also awarded contracts to Elbit Systems for various defence technologies. General Dynamics, a global defence contractor with a significant presence in Canada, has been involved in contracts for artillery propellant intended for Israel, often brokered through the US Department of Defense. Deltek provides enterprise software solutions for the aerospace and defence sectors, while Nortac Defence offers satellite-based communication and situational awareness systems for defence and government agencies.
The events in London underscore the ongoing and increasingly vocal debate surrounding Canada’s defence industry and its ethical responsibilities in international conflicts, making this news a significant development in the current discourse.
