New arms trade treaty will change the way Canada does business: The new International Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) requires Canada to amend its export regulations and report all sales including to unsavoury regimes

Authors

Erika Simpson, University of Western Ontario (Western University)Follow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-14-2018

Journal

London Free Press

Abstract

The article discusses Canada's adherence to the new Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), emphasizing amendments to export regulations and the necessity to report all sales, including those to contentious regimes. It highlights the dilemma surrounding Canada's largest arms deal with Saudi Arabia for light armoured vehicles (LAVs), initiated under the Harper government and continued despite international scrutiny post-Khashoggi incident. Senators in Ottawa face the challenge of balancing economic interests with ethical considerations under Bill C-47, aiming to align Canadian policies with stringent ATT guidelines. The article underscores the pivotal role of oversight and transparency in shaping Canada's future arms trade policies amidst global scrutiny and domestic accountability.

Notes

First published in London Free Press.