I think it's very clear that nuclear terrorism is a significant threat not just to the security of Canada but to global security as well. Al-Qaeda, for example, as you may know, has had a long-standing desire to acquire weapons of mass destruction. There's no secret to that, and this government acknowledges that threat. In cooperation with other like-minded countries, we have examined the threat of the proliferation of nuclear materials and the consequences that could be brought about if they are used for improper or criminal purposes.
It's not surprising that the two treaties that are the subject of this bill came about, and it's no surprise as well that a number of countries, a number of which I have mentioned, are in the process of looking at them or have ratified them. Both of them have been ratified, for instance, by the United Kingdom. Australia is another example. Russia, France, and others have either ratified it or are looking at it. There was one attempt at ratification by the American Congress; I don't know if they use the term "died on the order paper”.
Nonetheless, this continues to be a concern for all countries.
We're doing our part. We're making a statement that we acknowledge this is a continuing threat, and we're doing something about it by signing on and bringing our laws into compliance with the recommendations in both treaties. With the passage of this bill by this committee—of course, subsequent to royal assent it will become the law of Canada—we will be able to sign on to those treaties.
I think this is a step in the right direction. It sends the message to individuals involved with illegal activity that Canada is a part of a group of nations that are going to continue their dedication to fight this kind of activity. It sends the message to our allies and partners that we're with them on this issue. As you're aware, these are not threats that just affect only one country or another. In a sense, we're all in this together when these threats and this type of activity take place.
Thank you for the question.