It should matter in all cases. In Canada’s case, it is a historical issue and cannot be undone, whereas this is ongoing and can be changed.

Canada has paid reparations to victims, and many efforts have been made to document and acknowledge the harm done.

While this may well be a case of “too little, too late”, it’s not something many people can see Israel ever doing, especially since most Canadians were unaware of the residential schools until very recently, while the majority of Israelis have made their feelings towards Palestinians very clear.