Canada Strengthens its Arms Controls

December 13, 2018 - Ottawa, Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the granting of Royal Assent to Bill C-47, An Act to amend the Export and Import Permits Act and the Criminal Code:

 “Today, Canada takes an important step forward to strengthen our existing arms export system, bringing us closer to accession to the Arms Trade Treaty.

 “We are unwavering in our commitment to a stronger and more rigorous approach to the export of Canadian arms. These changes will set a permanent and higher standard that meets Canada’s commitment to human rights around the world.

 “This means the standards and criteria of the Arms Trade Treaty will be written directly into Canadian law, including serious violations of human rights law, peace and security, and gender-based violence.

 “The new substantial risk clause means that Global Affairs Canada will need to ensure that it has a high level of confidence that arms exports will not be used to commit human rights abuses.

 “I would like to thank the many parliamentarians who have helped pass this bill. I would also like to thank the many Canadians and civil society organisations who provided their feedback, insight, ideas, and views. You have helped ensure that Canada continues to raise the bar and sets a higher standard on arms export and human rights globally.”

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