MP Jenny Kwan Tables Private Members Bill to Close Loophole in Canada’s Arms Export Laws

OTTAWA— NDP MP Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East) today tabled a Private Member’s Bill in the House of Commons to close loopholes in Canada’s arms export laws that allow Canadian-made weapons and components to end up in the hands of governments accused of war crimes and human rights abuses. After introducing the bill, MP Kwan was joined at a press conference on Parliament Hill by organizations supporting the legislation including Oxfam-Québec, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, Independent Jewish Voices Canada and the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council.

The bill amends the Export and Import Permits Act to strengthen Canada’s compliance with the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). While Canada joined the treaty in 2019, it exempted exports to the United States—the largest destination for Canadian military goods. Once in the U.S., Canadian-made parts can be incorporated into weapons systems and re-exported to countries with poor human rights records, with little transparency or oversight.

“Canada must not be complicit in human rights abuses abroad. This bill will ensure that Canadian-made weapons and components cannot be used to fuel war, repression, or attacks on civilians,” said Jenny Kwan.

Recent reports by Arms Embargo Now and Amnesty International documented Canadian companies that are embedded in global weapons supply chains, including those linked to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and other conflict zones including by Saudia Arabia in Yemen. These exports currently go unreported to Parliament due to Canada’s exemption for U.S.-bound arms shipments.

The proposed legislation would:

• Apply export controls to all arms, parts, and technology;
• Remove the U.S. and other country-based exemptions from the Export Control List;
• Require end-use certificates to prevent diversion to human rights abusers;
• Mandate annual reports to Parliament on Canada’s compliance with the Arms Trade Treaty.

“This bill closes the dangerous loopholes that undermine Canada’s international obligations and put civilian lives at risk,” Kwan added. “It’s about transparency, accountability, and making sure Canadian companies will not profit from war and repression.