Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Best Defence Conference in downtown London, Ontario, on October 21, 2025, disrupting the event and demanding Canada impose an immediate arms embargo on Israel. Approximately 100 demonstrators from across Southern Ontario blocked entrances to the RBC Place convention centre, using bicycle locks to secure some doors in their protest against Canadian government funding for companies supplying weapons used in international conflicts, particularly concerning the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Targeting the Defence Industry
The Best Defence Conference, scheduled to run for two days, is a prominent Canadian event focusing on aerospace, defence, and public safety capabilities. It serves as a crucial platform for industry leaders, military representatives, and government procurement officials to network, explore business opportunities, and discuss defence procurement programs. Sponsors for the 2025 conference included major defence contractors such as General Dynamics, Deltek, Elbit Systems, and Nortac Defence, with other exhibitors ranging from Lockheed Martin Canada to various manufacturing and technology firms. The conference aims to foster strategic partnerships and supply chain development within the defence sector, including for international companies looking to enter the Canadian market.
Protesters’ Demands and Tactics
Organizers of the protest stated their core demands were for Canada to implement a two-way arms embargo on Israel and to halt any increases in military spending. Demonstrators voiced strong opposition to Canadian companies manufacturing weapons they allege are used in conflicts, with some explicitly condemning these companies as complicit in “genocide in Gaza” and profiting from “war crimes”. Beyond blocking entrances, reports indicated protesters scuffled with event staff, with some using steel fencing to push and shove. Police were present in significant numbers, with up to 25 vehicles observed at the scene at one point.
Law Enforcement Response and Arrests
As the conference was set to begin, police were seen intervening, with footage showing officers tackling individuals to the ground. London police confirmed one arrest was made in connection with property damage. By late morning, the roads around RBC Place had reopened, and the demonstrators had dispersed. Police stated their commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment while acknowledging the right to peaceful assembly, but warned that property damage or violence would not be tolerated.
Broader Context of Demonstrations
This incident in London, Ontario, is part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian protests across Canada. Similar demonstrations have called for arms embargoes on Israel, citing concerns over the country’s military actions. For instance, a significant protest took place on Parliament Hill in April 2025, fueled by a report detailing Canadian approvals for arms exports to Israel, even after government pledges to halt such transfers. Demonstrations in Montreal and other cities have echoed these demands, highlighting what activists describe as Canada’s complicity in the ongoing conflict. These protests often target defence industry events, aiming to draw public attention to the international arms trade and its perceived consequences.
The Best Defence Conference continued its programming, but the morning’s events underscored the significant public scrutiny and opposition faced by the defence sector amidst heightened international tensions and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. This news from London, Ontario, reflects a continued and vocal activism demanding policy changes regarding Canada’s role in the global arms trade.
