Mr. Speaker, more than 25,000 people worldwide are killed by land mines every year, and thousands more are injured.
On Wednesday the Minister of Foreign Affairs said Canada is one of the few countries that have banned outright the use of anti-personnel land mines. This is simply not true.
Earlier this year Canada declared a moratorium on the production, export and use of land mines. However, a moratorium is not a
ban. Although it is good, we need Canada to take the lead by domestically banning the production, use and sale of these heinous silent killers.
The minister was incorrect in his statement this week. Canada has long been one of leading voices in calling for a total ban. It is now the topic of discussion for a proposal which would establish a land mine free zone in the Americas, which Canada supports.
It is time now for Canada to show bold leadership and send a clear signal to the international community by declaring a domestic ban on the import, use and production of land mines.