Mr. Speaker, a further supplementary question.
The sale to Columbia involves so-called civilian versions of the Bell model 212 helicopter. This civilian distinction avoids the necessity of gaining approval under federal defence export regulations. Concerns have arisen however because it is relatively easy to convert the model 212 into a military attack vehicle.
In light of these facts can the parliamentary secretary please explain what the guiding philosophy of the government is regarding international sales of arms, especially to countries
like Columbia whose military has a history of human rights violation.