Mr. Speaker, I rise to table a petition from constituents of the riding of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, because the constituents tell me their MP would not table it.
The petitioners note that Canada acceded to the Arms Trade Treaty in 2019, committing to prevent the transfer of arms where there is a substantial risk that they could be used in human rights abuses, war crimes or crimes against humanity. They also note that a significant loophole in Canada's export laws currently allows Canadian-made weapons, parts and components to be exported to the United States, from where they may be transferred to third countries. They note that international bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council, and independent UN experts have called on all states to halt arms transfers where there is a substantial risk of their use in violations of international humanitarian law.
Therefore, the petitioners are calling on the House of Commons to enact legislation to close existing loopholes in Canada's arms export laws, including removing exemptions for the U.S., strengthening oversight and ensuring that Canadian arms are never used to commit or facilitate human rights abuses.