There is a fundamental problem here. There is nothing in the bill stipulating that the minister has to reevaluate when there are changes on the ground. We have made adjustments in some cases, but not enough, unfortunately. The bill under consideration still does not respect the spirit or the letter of the treaty.
Mr. Chair, I would like to read article 7 of the treaty:
“If, after an authorization has been granted, an exporting State Party becomes aware of new relevant information, it is encouraged to reassess the authorization after consultations, if appropriate, with the importing State.”
From a very practical point of view, my colleague seems to be saying that by doing that we would strip the minister of any negotiating power. I disagree. Actually, it is the opposite. I believe it was Churchill who said that:
“Speak softly and carry a big stick”.