Madam Speaker, we hear the Liberal government time and again expressing concern about the escalating dangers of nuclear weapons, but where are the necessary actions?
Things are only getting worse. In the past week alone, Russia expanded its nuclear doctrine and tested a new missile against Ukraine. North Korea advanced its missile program with outside support, and Belarus became a nuclear host state. What was Canada's response? There were vague statements of concern while it clung to outdated deterrence policies.
However, there is a solution, which the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This treaty has 98 nations already on board. It addresses the humanitarian devastation of nuclear weapons.
It is time for Canada to engage. At minimum, we need to send an official observer delegation to the meeting of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in March 2025. Many NATO allies have already done so. Why has Canada not? New Democrats have always advocated for urgent nuclear disarmament and will continue to work towards a safe and peaceful future.