Canada increases military spending while rejecting weapons oversight
In March, the House of Commons rejected An act to amend the export and import permits act (EIPA), also known as the No more loopholes bill. The bill was trying to close the loophole that gives export and import exemptions for certain countries, notably the United States. It’s through this loophole that Canadian made weapons and components are winding up being used in areas that Canada has prohibited, embargoed, or deemed illegal to ship arms to, like Sudan and Gaza. Canadian weapons potentially being used against civilians in some of the bloodiest wars on the planet is inconsistent with what Canadians want and with Canadian obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty.
While a disappointing outcome, the vote on the No more loopholes bill did show that there were MPs within the Liberal caucus who felt they were able to vote with their conscience and saw merit with the bill’s proposals. In arguing against the bill, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand implied that applying Canada’s rigorous export controls to the US could jeopardize jobs, the economy, and Canada’s international standing. She called the proposed bill “irresponsible” for those reasons.
“It’s worth putting this vote into context… Military spending is on track to reach $150 billion [per year] by 2035.”
Yet it remains clear that the government needs to address the loophole that allows Canadian weapons to wind up being used in places where Canada says it’s illegal to ship them. Failing to do so risks making Canada continually complicit in violations of international humanitarian law. This is especially pressing right now as Canada has committed to record increases in military spending.
It’s worth putting this vote into context. Canada recently announced reaching the 2% military expenditure target set up by NATO for members. According to the Prime Minister’s office, this was “the largest year-over-year increase to Canada’s defence spending in generations.” Canada’s military budget ballooned from $45 billion to over $63 billion—and it took less than a year to do it. More worrisome yet, such spending is on track to reach 5% of GDP over the next nine years, meaning $150 billion by 2035.
Canada is entering a phase of unprecedented production and investment in weapons manufacturing and, at a minimum, should ensure this does not contribute to war crimes or other unnecessary suffering abroad. It is a political choice to remain indifferent to the realities of the moment—Canadian made weapons are going where they shouldn’t, and as such, it is imperative that a solution is found for this concerning reality.
But what can be done?
While it seems a little hopeless, there are things that can be done. We can insist that alternative proposals be put forward that address the loopholes. Talk to your MP and see how they voted, if they voted against, ask what they propose to fix the problem instead. This is a Parliament that says it is solution-oriented. CFSC is also planning to be present at CANSEC this year, May 27-28 in Ottawa. CANSEC is the largest weapons fair in North America. We believe this is a moment where being present matters. We’re planning a silent vigil/Meeting for Worship on the afternoon of the first day of CANSEC to be a physical presence of unity and nonviolence—showing that strength comes through peace.
We invite you to join us that day and show your opposition to the burgeoning war industry—directly and in a Friendly way. If you are unable to travel to Ottawa, we are also looking at holding an online Meeting in tandem with the actions on the ground.
Sandra Wiens is CFSC’s Government Relations Representative.
