Canada presents its instrument of accession to the Arms Trade Treaty

June 21, 2019 – Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on Canada’s presentation of its instrument of accession to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) at the United Nations:

“We made a commitment to ensure Canada accedes to the Arms Trade Treaty, by submitting our instrument of accession, we are making this a reality. Canada will become an ATT State Party 90 days after the presentation of its instrument of accession.

“We are taking a stronger and more rigorous approach to the export of Canadian arms. Today’s announcement is a significant milestone in Canada’s contributions to international efforts to combat the illicit trade of weapons.

“The Arms Trade Treaty sets a real global standard, and helps prevent human rights abuses and protect lives. It is about protecting people from arms. It ensures countries effectively regulate the international trade of arms, so they are not used to support human rights abuses, gender-based violence, terrorism, international organized crime, or violations of international humanitarian law.

“The Arms Trade Treaty opened for signature in 2013, and this step is long overdue. By becoming a State Party to the Arms Trade Treaty, Canada is living up to its commitment to defend and protect human rights around the world.”

Related Products

• Backgrounder – Deposition of Canada’s instrument of accession to the Arms Trade Treaty

Associated Links

• United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs – The Arms Trade Treaty
• Export and Import Permits Act