Mr. Speaker, conflict diamonds financed a number of conflicts in Africa in the past, including Sierra Leone, with a devastating impact on the security of innocent civilians. The Kimberley Process certification scheme aims to combat the trade in conflict diamonds.
Canada, now the world's third largest diamond producer by value with annual exports of $1.7 billion Canadian, has been a leader in the fight against conflict diamonds.
As current chair of the Kimberley Process, Canada is hosting a plenary meeting in Gatineau, October 27 to 29. This meeting brings together more than 42 governments implementing the certification scheme as well as representatives from the diamond industry and civil society.
The plenary will review progress made toward implementation since the launch of this scheme on January 1, 2003.