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January 23rd, 2019

NDP Endorses the Basel Appeal on Disarmament and Sustainable Security

OTTAWA – On Wednesday, NDP International Development Critic Linda Duncan and NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Hélène Laverdière formally endorsed the Basel Appeal on Disarmament and Sustainable Security. New Democrats call on the Liberal Government to support this Appeal, which would mark an important step towards renewing Canada’s leadership in the reduction and eventual elimination of nuclear weapons. This leadership on the world stage must be reinforced through a robust and principled position, starting with Canada’s accession to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

“It’s disappointing to see Canada’s international reputation towards supporting nuclear disarmament stagnate under the Liberal Government,” said Duncan, who has repeatedly called on the Liberal government to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and to support efforts for its ratification.

The Basel Appeal calls on the United States and Russia to refrain from developing and deploying weapon systems that could violate the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. It also aims to resolve existing compliance issues and supports the new START Treaty, which limits the number of U.S. and Russian weapons. These measures would reduce the risk posed by existing nuclear weapons and bring us closer to a nuclear free world.

“Nuclear weapons are an existential threat to humanity. In an increasingly uncertain global environment, it is more important than ever that we work to eradicate these weapons. Canada must step up and support this Appeal,” added Laverdière.