Thank you, Madam Chair.
We are concerned, based on reports we hear, that there has been a lack of interest from EDC and BDC in supporting investments that build up weapons-manufacturing capacity in key partners where such investments would be appropriate and aligned with the national interest of Canada and the vital strategic interests of the countries in question.
We're proposing an amendment to the Export Development Act designed to facilitate the building up of Ukraine's domestic munitions-manufacturing capacity. The amendment is as follows:
In carrying out its purpose under paragraph (1)(c), the Corporation shall give preference to the development of munitions manufacturing capacity in Ukraine.
I think that's fairly straightforward. Again, we want to see EDC and BDC—we will also have a separate amendment on BDC—be able to look at and consider and move forward with supporting investments that make sense and that would build up the munitions-manufacturing capacity of Ukraine so that it's able to have a secure, domestically sourced supply of the munitions it needs to be able to sustain its struggle for as long as required and liberate its territory and its people.
I hope this amendment will find support.
Thank you.