Since the beginning of Israel’s invasion of Gaza, a number of Canadian-licensed health workers and educators have taken approved leaves from their workplaces to serve in the Israeli military before returning to their professional roles in Canada- all without facing inquiries, investigations into their actions with the IDF or repercussions. An independent UN Commission of Inquiry has determined that Israel has engaged in genocide in Gaza.

With more than 70,000 Palestinians in Gaza murdered by Israel, this raises a serious question about whether Canadian health workers and educators who served in the military during the genocide should be able to continue practicing without consequence. Given the severity of the crimes committed in Gaza, regulators must investigate whether health workers have participated in or facilitated actions that violate the ethical and professional obligations they are expected to uphold.

To date, health regulatory bodies have not systematically inquired about or investigated involvement of their members in militaries accused of human rights violations.
 
Given the grave allegations against the Israeli military, we must demand that regulatory bodies across Canada require disclosure of service in militaries accused of human rights violations, investigate whether health workers and educators have violated their professional codes of conduct, and pursue appropriate disciplinary and legal measures where evidence of unethical conduct exists. 

You can learn more about these concerns in this statement issued by Health workers Alliance for Palestine (HAP). and this media story by The Maple.