Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development

Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement international

For immediate release

House of Commons Committee amends bill following study of Canada’s arms transfer control system

Ottawa, March 20, 2018 -

Canada’s House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development today reported Bill C-47, An Act to amend the Export and Import Permits Act and the Criminal Code (amendments permitting the accession to the Arms Trade Treaty and other amendments), back to the House of Commons with amendments.

The report follows the Committee’s in depth study of the Arms Trade Treaty and Canada’s arms transfer control system. Over the course of four meetings, the Committee heard from government officials, civil society groups, independent experts and industry associations regarding this important piece of legislation. Based on the evidence it heard, the Committee agreed to a number of amendments in order to strengthen the bill and ensure that Canada’s arms transfer control system remains a model for the rest of the world.

Further information on the Committee’s current work is available on its website.

Quote:

Chair, Hon. Robert Nault:

“Following a thorough study, I am pleased to report Bill C-47 back to the House. I believe this important piece of legislation, along with Canada’s planned accession to the Arms Trade Treaty, will ensure that Canada remains a leader in promoting the ethical trade in arms. I would like to thank all of the Committee members, as well as the independent MPs who participated, for their hard work on this critical issue to Canada’s foreign policy.”