Canada readies its legislative framework for ATT membership

The Canadian Senate has approved legislative amendments to the Export and Import Permits Act and the Criminal Code to comply in preparation for its accession to the Arms Trade Treaty (‘ATT’).

Bill C-47, passed on 6 December, regulates brokering activities and creates a requirement to consider the criteria set out in the ATT before authorising arms or munitions exports.

The Canadian government has committed CAN$13m to implement ‘new brokering controls, improve transparency, and support enhancements to Canada’s export controls,’ and $1m to the UN Trust Facility Supporting Cooperation on Arms Regulation.

In anticipation of the entry into force of the bill, the Canadian government has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to Canada’s export control regime to ‘inform’ how the ATT criteria will be applied and ‘guide’ the development of new brokering controls. The deadline for responses is 31 January. Feedback can be provided on the online questionnaire on the Global Affairs Canada website.

For further information see:
https://www.international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/consultations/export_controls-controle_exportations/index.aspx?lang=eng