April 9, 2020 – Today the Government of Canada confirmed that the review conducted by Global Affairs Canada of export permits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now complete and the Minister of Foreign Affairs is ready to review permit applications on a case by case basis. The government also stated that it will ensure all permits undergo a rigorous review to ensure they comply with Canadian laws and the UN Arms Treaty. Read the full announcement here: https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/04/canada-improves-terms-of-light-armored-vehicles-contract-putting-in-place-a-new-robust-permits-review-process.html
Christyn Cianfarani, President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), issued the following statement in response to the government's announcement:
“CADSI views the announcement made by the Government of Canada today as a positive step forward. These actions taken by the government will have a significant impact on our sector at a moment of great uncertainty, maintaining jobs across Canada’s defence and security industries and supply chains in these challenging times.
The industry also looks forward to playing an active role in multilateral discussions to help raise the bar globally on responsible defence exports under the United Nations Arms Treaty. Canada’s defence and security industries have long supported Canada’s accession to the UN ATT.”
The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is the national industry voice of more than 650 Canadian defence, security and cybersecurity companies that produce world-class goods, services and technologies made across Canada and sought the world over. The industries contribute to the employment of more than 78,000 Canadians and generate $12.6 billion in annual revenues, roughly half of which come from exports. To learn more, visit defenceandsecurity.ca.
