QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
The Ottawa Treaty
June 5, 2025
Thank you, Your Honour. I truly appreciate this fairness offered to an unaffiliated senator.
Senator Gold, I fear for innocent civilians — especially women, girls and youth who are disproportionately impacted by land mines. Since 1997, the Ottawa Treaty has banned the use of land mines across the world. As many as 165 states parties no longer use land mines. Stockpiles of more than 40 million have been destroyed. Tragically, Estonia, Latvia, Poland and now Finland have announced their intention to follow Lithuania in withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty. Without this treaty, civilians — mostly women and children — will be killed or maimed by these indiscriminate weapons.
What is the Government of Canada doing to protect the integrity of the Ottawa Treaty?
Thank you for your question and for highlighting the role that Canada played historically in this issue. In a previous life, I was a member of the Canadian Landmine Foundation and was honoured to be involved in that.
I do not know what specific steps this government may currently be taking with regard to those countries that have expressed an intention to withdraw, but I will certainly raise this issue with the minister at my earliest convenience.
Loss of limbs and death are irreversible. Please try to obtain more specific information. My question is this: What is happening to strengthen Canada’s diplomatic stance to protect the benefits of the Ottawa Treaty and stem the tide of withdrawal?
Thank you for providing further context to the question. I will certainly raise it.
