NEWS RELEASES
ANNUAL REPORT ON CANADA'S MILITARY GOODS EXPORTS TABLED IN PARLIAMENT TODAY
December 11, 1997 No. 205
ANNUAL REPORT ON CANADA'S MILITARY GOODS EXPORTS
TABLED IN PARLIAMENT TODAY
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today tabled the Annual Report "Exports of
Military Goods from Canada." In recent years, Canada has increased the level of
transparency applied to activities in this area. The Canadian government has acted
upon requests from industry, non-governmental organizations and international
security experts to supply even more information than in the past.
"Since it was first published, Canada's Annual Report has set the standard in the
world for completeness and detail," said Mr. Axworthy. "Few other countries
prepare such reports on the export of military goods, fewer still make them
publicly available, and none are as detailed and specific as Canada's."
"For the first time this year, we have included descriptions of the actual goods
included in the categories reported, and have classified all transfers as to
whether they are weapons, support systems or parts," remarked Mr. Axworthy. "We
will be very interested to know if this makes it easier to understand what is
actually being transferred, within, of course, the bounds of respecting the
commercial confidentiality of the companies involved."
In June 1996, Minister Axworthy instructed that the process for reviewing export
permit applications involve a more rigorous analysis of security issues and
threats of hostilities, a strict interpretation of human rights criteria, and
stricter controls of firearms.
"I have given close attention to firearms exports," said Mr. Axworthy. "We take
great care to ensure that none of the firearms legally exported from Canada end up
in a conflict or criminal situation. Canada is ready to play an important role in
curbing illicit trafficking in small arms."
Canada accounts for less than 1 percent of the military goods traded in the world,
but individual Canadian firms have established an international reputation for
excellence in aerospace, including in the repair and overhaul of military
aircraft, and in such fields as simulators, radar and protective clothing. As a
member of NATO and other mutual security arrangements, Canada also has an
obligation to produce certain military equipment for the shared needs of these
allies. Exports to these countries make up the great majority of exports of
Canadian military goods covered in this Annual Report.
Copies of the report are available from the InfoCentre of the Department of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade at 1-800- 267-8376.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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