François Philippe Champagne on Israel

François Philippe Champagne, as Foreign Minister, expressed Canada's commitment to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, explicitly including the creation of a Palestinian state living alongside a secure Israel, when commenting on the U.S. Middle East peace plan in January 2020. He stressed that peace must be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties, and Canada reaffirmed its readiness to support meaningful dialogue toward this viable two-state solution. This policy position is often contrasted with specific actions, such as Canada's 2019 UN vote against Israel, which drew criticism from some, like the former U.S. ambassador to the UN, who viewed it as a shift in policy, though Champagne stated it was an isolated instance that did not change overall support for Israel.

His portfolio also involved significant economic engagement, as he welcomed the signing of the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) in May 2018, highlighting it as an engine for growth and prosperity that modernized trade relations. However, critics noted perceived inconsistencies, such as the government's defense of the Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership and the CIFTA's lack of regulation to exclude settlement goods, despite the official position acknowledging settlements violate international law and impede peace. Furthermore, as Finance Minister, he was involved in a government response to a petition calling for an end to the blockade on Gaza, where the government committed humanitarian funding while reiterating the two-state goal.