Toronto (September 3, 2019) – Over the weekend, the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement came into force, improving trade between the two countries and showcasing the failure of the antisemitic boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement.

The agreement – which first came into force in 1997 – has since been updated and modernized, including eliminating or reducing tariffs on products traded between Canada and Israel. In a statement released on Sunday,Minister of International Trade Diversification Jim Carr said the modernized CIFTA will “help to reduce tariffs, ease border restrictions on goods, increase transparency around regulations, reduce red tape, and help small and medium-sized enterprises to generate more business in both countries.”

“While BDS groups continue their failed attempts to boycott Israeli products, Canadians and Israelis will reap the benefits of a modernized trade agreement that will increase cooperation in numerous sectors,strengthen relations and increase trade between the two countries, ultimately helping grow both countries’ economies,” said Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center President and CEO Avi Benlolo.