Yes, once again, I would ask our Bloc colleagues to take a look at the intent and what we've done with the legislation, the way we've proposed it.
Previously, there was no onus on the minister to report. It was voluntary. This legislation makes it mandatory and the importance of doing this on a regularly scheduled annual basis is that the tabling of this report, I believe, will become a very important date in the parliamentary calendar, which Parliament and the NGO community will watch very carefully and be seized with.
Every time there's an export permit issued, every time having to table within 30 days....Shipments may take 30 days to arrive at their location. We don't know whether sometimes equipment might be stockpiled for three months or six months. The intent of greater oversight will, in fact, be lost and you would have pro forma tabling of reports on export permits on a monthly basis.
I understand what the intent is, and I agree with the intent, but I believe an annual mandatory report from the minister to Parliament will become a very important tool for Parliament to review arms trade, and for the NGO community, as well.
Although I support the intent, I cannot support this amendment.