Canada amends its export control laws to join Arms Trade Treaty

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, announced that Canada took an important step forward to strengthen its existing arms export system, bringing it closer to accession to the Arms Trade Treaty, following the granting of Royal Assent to Bill C-47, An Act to amend the Export and Import Permits Act and the Criminal Code on December 13, 2018.

The legislative amendments will:

  • establish controls over brokering in military goods between two countries outside of Canada

  • create a legal obligation for the minister of foreign affairs to consider certain assessment criteria before authorizing permits

  • increase the maximum fine from $25,000 to $250,000 for summary conviction offences

In preparation for the entry into force of Bill C-47, Global Affairs Canada launched a public consultation on proposed changes to Canada’s export controls regime. The outcome of this consultation will help shape Canada’s export controls policies, procedures and regulations.

Canada will accede to the Arms Trade Treaty once all the necessary regulatory changes are implemented.

Link: Backgrounder – Global Affairs Canada