Canada has officially recognized Morocco's autonomy plan for the Western Sahara as 'serious and credible,' according to a statement issued on April 29, 2026. The announcement aligns Canada with a growing number of countries that view the proposal as a viable basis for resolving the long-standing territorial dispute.
The Canadian government emphasized its support for United Nations-led efforts to achieve a mutually acceptable political solution. The statement reaffirmed Canada's commitment to the UN framework and its special envoy for the Sahara, Staffan de Mistura.
Morocco's autonomy plan, first presented in 2007, proposes broad self-governance for the Western Sahara region under Moroccan sovereignty. The plan has gained increasing international backing in recent years, with several countries opening consulates in the disputed territory's major cities.
Canada's position marks a shift from its previous stance of neutrality on the issue. The decision is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between Ottawa and Rabat, particularly in trade and security cooperation.
