QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Export of Arms
June 2, 2026
Welcome back, Senator Moreau. It’s nice to see you.
The conflict in Sudan has been described by UN officials as one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century. Canada has maintained an arms embargo on parts of Sudan since 2004. However, experts who testified recently at the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade stated that the Canadian-founded STREIT Group has supplied armoured combat vehicles to the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, in Sudan, which pose a risk of being used in violation of international humanitarian law. Canadian officials have not acted because the STREIT Group produced and transferred these vehicles from their overseas facilities. Sniper rifles produced by Sterling Cross Defense Systems in B.C. have also appeared in Sudan.
Senator Moreau, why has there been no action taken to address this issue of Canadian persons and entities supplying arms to the conflict in Sudan?
Thank you. It’s an important question. Following those testimonies, we reached out to the minister. I have been told that Canada strictly enforces the arms embargo on Sudan under the United Nations, or UN, Sudan Regulations, which have been in place since 2004. This means that no Canadian companies are permitted to export arms to Sudan, neither directly nor through third countries. If these laws are violated, those responsible face legal consequences that could include the seizure of goods and criminal prosecution, leading to fines or imprisonment.
I cannot comment on specific cases, but I have been told that we are looking very closely at whether those restrictions are respected.
Project Ploughshares recommended, at the same Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, that Global Affairs Canada conduct a pilot study on the adoption of post-shipment controls and Canada’s conventional arms control regime to safeguard against diversion. What is the government doing to proactively strengthen Canada’s arms export control regime to ensure that Canadian weapons are not contributing to the devastating violence in Sudan?
Thank you for that question. Again, Canada has one of the strongest export control systems in the world, and respect for human rights is enshrined in our export controls legislation. All permit applications for control items are reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis under Canada’s robust Risk Assessment Framework.
If there is a substantial risk that the export would result in a serious violation of human rights, the permit will be declined. Canada has made no exception to this legal requirement.
