Carney made reforms a factor in recognizing Palestine: Here’s where they stand

In September 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada was officially recognizing the State of Palestine. He told reporters at the time that recognition was “predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reform.” He said he received that commitment in a letter from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and discussed it with him later in a phone call.Canada’s Privy Council refuses to publish the letter, citing respect for international diplomatic relations.Carney framed the reforms, and the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to meeting them, as his government’s reasons for proceeding with statehood recognition — but both supporters and critics of the move interpreted it as Ottawa imposing conditions on that recognition.Here’s a look at the reforms Carney called for and where they stand today:1) GovernanceCarney said Abbas promised that the Palestinian Authority, or PA, would “fundamentally reform its governance.” He said Canada has made it clear that Hamas can play no role in the future state. Story continues below advertisement Feda Abdelhady, the Palestinian ambassador to Ottawa, said in an interview in August reforms are underway and are meant to boost demo...