I appreciate your comments on this, because it is a matter of weighing all opinions and then taking the right direction.
Mr. Wiebe, I want to go to you on the issue of article 21.
I think it's important for our committee to understand what you were saying. In the treaty article 21, sections 1 and 2 are very explicit. They tell us to not only look to enact legislation to ban cluster weapons, but also that it is also our responsibility to focus on other parties not signatories to the treaty to do the same. We heard from our Minister of Foreign Affairs at committee who was very up front. He wanted to see the world be rid of these munitions. We agree.
However, clause 11, as we just heard from former prime minister Fraser, goes the other way. It's interesting. Former prime minister Fraser said that in clause 11 of the bill, you have in essence a direction that would be allowed and almost encouraged to use the very weapons we're trying to rid ourselves of.
So are you telling us that article 21 of the treaty, sections 1 and 2, charges us with the responsibility for enacting legislation that would put pressure on our colleagues south of the border, in the United States, to actually follow us, and not just to accommodate the United States and its military actions?