New Democrats Secure Humanitarian exemption for Afghanistan Aid but cannot support Bill C-41

NDP Critic for Foreign Affairs, Heather McPherson, made the following statement:

“New Democrats stand in solidarity with the millions of people of Afghanistan suffering under the brutal Taliban regime. Because Afghanistan is ruled by a terrorist entity, Canadian law currently restricts Canadian humanitarian and development organizations from operating in that country.

Nearly two years ago, as Kabul fell to the Taliban, New Democrats and many Canadians asked the Liberal government to create a humanitarian exemption so that Canadian aid organizations could deliver life-saving assistance without fear of prosecution under the Criminal Code.

New Democrats brought twelve amendments to this bill, of which six were adopted. One of these successful changes secured a much-needed humanitarian exemption in Bill C-41 that will ensure Canadian aid organizations can return to their crucial life-saving work in Afghanistan. Despite this important improvement to the bill, we are alarmed by the long-term consequences this legislation will have for Canadian aid agencies operating in other parts of the world.

The principle of third-party authorization – effectively forcing Canadian aid agencies to seek permission of the Government of Canada to do their important work in fragile contexts abroad – is unprecedented and unacceptable.

While the NDP secured the humanitarian exemption in Bill C-41 that will allow humanitarian agencies to do their important work without applying for authorization, many alarming elements remain in Bill C-41.

Serious concerns raised by the sector on clarity, accountability, and privacy were ignored by the Liberal government. Moreover, there are major concerns that future Canadian governments may politicize this authorization regime, potentially denying authorization to Canadians wishing to do important development work in places like Gaza, Nigeria, or Sudan.

This bill is not what the sector asked for. It will have unintended consequences for Canadian aid agencies for decades to come. As a result, we cannot vote for this bill.”