I would like to add that I would very much agree with the question, that it would be better for the minister if there were clear legal limits. I would also like to underline that in our understanding of the treaty, article 6 and article 7 are very clear on this. The language is that the government shall not authorize an arms transfer if the subsequent criteria are not met.
In article 6, if there is knowledge of the use of those weapons for war crimes or violations of international agreements, the government shall not authorize the transfer.
In article 7, if after conducting the risk assessment, it is deemed that there is an overriding risk of the use of those weapons for violations of human rights or humanitarian law or for acts of gender-based violence, the government shall not authorize.
It's a very clear, unambiguous legal obligation, and it's not one that is left to discretion. It's not the case that you consider the risk and then are entitled to make a judgment about whether you shall or shall not; if that risk exists, you shall not authorize.
In our opinion, there should be those legal limits, a clear legal obligation on the minister. Indeed, that is what exists in the other countries that have thus far ratified and acceded to the treaty. If you examine the legislation from European countries, African countries, Latin American countries, and others that have ratified the treaty, you will see that clear legal obligations exist for their ministers. We believe it should be no different for Canada.