Calian GNSS, based in Ottawa, has decided to temporarily halt the delivery of GPS antennas to Elbit, an Israeli defense company, following a recent shipment that took place over the weekend. The company stated to CBC News that they are pausing this shipment and all future ones due to concerns raised by the government and other entities regarding the region. This decision came after the release of a report by four NGOs that analyzed Israeli import data and shipping records, which seemed to contradict the Canadian government’s statement that no arms shipments to Israel had been permitted since January 2024.
According to Calian, one shipment had already been sent from their manufacturing site in Ottawa to a facility in Montreal, where Elbit will collaborate with the Canada Border Services Agency for export. However, all upcoming shipments have been put on hold. Both Calian and Global Affairs Canada clarified to CBC that GPS antennas have various civilian applications beyond military use, such as in agriculture, transportation, telecommunications, and survey equipment.
Global Affairs mentioned to CBC News that GPS antennas are considered common civilian technology and are typically not subject to export controls by Canada or its allies. They confirmed that no valid permits were in place for the alleged transaction with Elbit. Additionally, it was noted that Elbit engages not only in defense contracts but also in the production of goods for civilian purposes.
Activists involved in the report expressed that Calian ceased shipments only after being caught “red-handed” and suggested that the GPS antennas were intended for Elbit’s ‘Electronic Warfare and Signal Intelligence’ facility to support Israel’s military operations. They called for a halt to all military shipments to Israel and accountability for the suppliers involved. The groups raised concerns about the end use of the antennas, emphasizing their crucial role in modern weapon systems. They also questioned Canada’s monitoring mechanisms for military cargo sent to Israel.
Elbit, a prominent defense technology company, did not provide a comment in response to CBC News’ request. The company’s website describes it as a global leader in defense technology, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing global security. Furthermore, concerns were raised about Elbit’s activities in Canada, as protests led to the termination of Scotiabank’s sponsorship of a major literary prize due to the bank’s connection with Elbit.