November 23, 2006 (1:45 p.m. EST)
No. 142
CANADA WORKS AGAINST THE SPREAD OF WEAPONS AND
MATERIALS OF MASS DESTRUCTION
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic
Canada Opportunities Agency, today tabled in Parliament the annual report on
Canada’s contribution to the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and
Materials of Mass Destruction.
“Terrorists are intent on acquiring weapons and materials of mass destruction. Canada
is playing a crucial role in preventing them from accomplishing these extreme actions,”
said Minister MacKay. “The Global Partnership is taking action to ensure these
weapons and materials remain beyond the reach of potential proliferators who would
use them to stand in the way of freedom and democracy. It is one of Canada’s most
important security programs and a key international instrument to address this threat.”
The report presents Canada’s accomplishments in 2005–2006, including Canada’s
work in the Russian Federation and other countries of the former Soviet Union. It
describes the destruction of chemical weapons, the dismantlement of nuclear
submarines, nuclear and radiological security, the redirection of former weapons
scientists and biological non-proliferation.
The Global Partnership comprises 23 countries, including Canada, which has
committed $1 billion over 10 years to address non-proliferation, disarmament and
counterterrorism.
For more information on the Global Partnership Program, visit
http://www.globalpartnership.gc.ca.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca