Emails show many MPs misinformed about UN Nuclear Ban Treaty

“It is utterly disappointing," says nuclear expert

Dec 23, 2020

Members of Parliament are misinformed about the UN Nuclear Ban Treaty, finds an expert review of email correspondence from MPs to PeaceQuest supporters who live in the ridings.

The review of 17 emails from MPs of all parties, except the Bloc Quebecois, revealed that the governing Liberals and opposition Conservatives continue to strongly oppose Canada signing the UN Nuclear Ban Treaty, officially called the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The treaty is supported by the NDP, Greens, and the Bloc Quebecois.

“It is utterly disappointing that not a single MP from the two political parties most likely to form government will speak forcefully and unambiguously in favour of the TPNW,” said Cesar Jaramillo, Executive Director of Project Ploughshares, who conducted the review for PeaceQuest. “Moreover, the arguments they use are misleading, disingenuous or outright wrong.”

Project Ploughshares' Cesar Jaramillo reviewed 17 letters from MPs to PeaceQuest supporters about the UN Nuclear Ban Treaty

Cesar Jaramillo played a key role behind-the-scenes during the successful negotiations for the treaty at the United Nations in 2017, working alongside the International Campaign for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and other peace groups.

What follows are excerpts from MPs’ emails, and Cesar’s responses to the issues raised by the MPs.

“Canada acknowledges that the TPNW reflects well-founded concerns about the lack of recent progress toward nuclear disarmament. But, unfortunately, the treaty undermines the existing non-proliferation and disarmament regime, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).”
Carolyn Bennett MP, Toronto-St. Paul’s (Liberal)

CJ: The argument that the TPNW undermines the NPT is simply false, no matter how much it is repeated. The NPT was designed to prevent non-nuclear-weapon states from acquiring nuclear weapons and to compel nuclear-weapon states to eliminate their arsenals. Nowhere does the treaty limit complementary efforts to implement its provisions and advance nuclear disarmament.

“Under the leadership of the Hon. Erin O’Toole, we remain deeply concerned about the nuclear threats posed by rogue regimes such as North Korea, with their repeated and flagrant violation of international norms. Unless all regimes agree to disarm, Canada and the world will remain under threat.”
James Cumming MP, Edmonton Centre (Conservative)

CJ: Those that criticize nuclear weapons in countries like North Korea seem to forget that North Korea’s rationale for possession is also deterrence, like NATO’s.

“Canada unequivocally supports global nuclear disarmament. This is something I and the federal government wholeheartedly support. We are committed to work that will make concrete steps towards a nuclear-free world.”
Marie-France Lalonde MP, Orléans (Liberal)

CJ: At the end of the day Canada’s purported support for nuclear disarmament sounds like empty rhetoric, especially when its doctrines, policies and actions are indisputably more closely aligned with those of nuclear weapons possessors that with the growing number of state and non-state actors demanding concrete progress towards abolition. On the nuclear weapons file, Canada finds itself on the wrong side of history.

“Our previous Conservative Government actively worked with allies and partners including NATO, the UN, G8, International Atomic Energy Agency and Conference on Disarmament, on a step-by-step process for the non-proliferation, reduction and eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons.”
Alex Ruff, MSC, CD MP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound (Conservative)

CJ: Nuclear-weapon states and allies like Canada continue to insist on a step-by-step approach that has proven ineffective and has not gotten us closer to nuclear abolition. The deep-seated skepticism about this approach is not just based on doubts about future progress but on historical evidence and current practice. Developments such as the rapid, costly modernization of nuclear arsenals and related infrastructure (some estimates put the price tag at more than $1 trillion), heightened tensions between superpowers, and a dysfunctional multilateral disarmament machinery, underscore the inadequacy of the step-by-step process. The TPNW be understood in this context. It developed out of the failure of the NPT to deliver on the promise of complete nuclear disarmament.

“Without any support from the states that possess nuclear weapons, the TPNW will not eliminate even a single nuclear weapon and its verification provisions are not credible.”
Office of Mark Gerretsen MP, Kingston and the Islands (Liberal)

CJ: The oft-repeated notion that the TPNW has not resulted in the elimination of a single nuclear weapon is specious and disingenuous. Is this suddenly the standard for supporting a nuclear disarmament effort? If it were so, Canada would find it hard to justify its decades-long effort to advance a fissile materials treaty, which also has not resulted in the elimination of a single nuclear weapons. And how many fewer nuclear weapons has the NPT resulted in? Strategic reductions in the US and Russia have been due to bilateral agreements and not linked to NPT implementation.

“If Canada signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, it would make them in opposition to NATO’s policies and the alliance Canada has with its members.”
Damien C. Kurek MP, Battle River - Crowfoot (Conservative)

CJ: NATO’s outdated nuclear deterrence doctrine will be a straitjacket for Canada only if it allows it to be. Canada can be an active player that changes the discourse from within or a mere spectator that goes along to get along. It can formulate and socialize security arrangements that do not rely on nuclear deterrence and it can stop participating in the Alliance’s nuclear planning group.

“While I support the principle that all countries in the world would disarm, the reality is that there are many dictator states developing nuclear weapon capabilities. We will stand with our allies and with NATO to ensure world peace and security are maintained.”
Marilyn Gladu MP, Sarnia-Lambton (Conservative)

CJ: The need for ideal conditions cannot become an excuse in perpetuity for the lack of progress. Non-nuclear-weapon states have never made the fulfillment of their non-proliferation obligations contingent upon the emergence of ideal international security conditions—and would surely be chastised by the nuclear-armed states if they did. Achieving nuclear abolition will be a lengthy undertaking that will necessarily coexist with international security crises of varying gravity.

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons will officially enter into force on January 22, 2021 for the 51 states that have signed and joined the treaty. This is expected to put additional pressure on those countries who oppose the treaty – notably the nuclear powers and their military allies such as Canada.

I'd like to thank the more than 300 PeaceQuest supporters who contacted MPs, and the many people who shared the email response from their MP with me. I'd also like to thank Cesar Jaramillo of Project Ploughshares for his insights and analysis of the letters.

What follows is the text of the responses sent to PeaceQuest supporters, in alphabetical order by political party name.

Damien C. Kurek MP, Battle River - Crowfoot (Conservative)

Thank you for your email regarding your support to sign and ratify the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

This is a very complex issue. Differing cultures, religions, philosophies, and organizations have varying concepts on how world peace is achieved and protected. Some people who support nuclear disarmament say it would lessen the probability of a nuclear war occurring, especially by accident. While on the other hand, critics of nuclear disarmament say possessing nuclear weapons is a deterrent for countries who are not at peace and are looking to engage in major conflict. While world peace is the goal on either side of this argument, both beliefs are reasonably correct, which is what makes this decision so difficult.

Not one of the nine countries who possess nuclear weapons, The United States, Russia, Britain, China, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel, took part in negotiations of disarmament and this proves that seeking to ban nuclear weapons through a treaty did not engage those countries who possess them. A treaty will not reduce nuclear weapons, nor will it enhance any country’s security, international peace and stability unless all nine of these countries sign the agreement. Even then, we need to be certain that countries who possess the technology will destroy their weapons and cease to use them.

Canada is a member of NATO and its purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through both political and military means. NATO is also committed to peaceful resolutions of disputes. If Canada signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, it would make them in opposition to NATO’s policies and the alliance Canada has with its members.

It would be wonderful to live in a world where no one feels the need to possess these weapons. Something all should aspire to. Pursuing world peace will be an on-going endeavor and while these discussions are essential to finding a solution, there is still more work to be done and things to be considered.

Thank you for your sharing your thoughts and concerns with me.

Sincerely,

Damien C. Kurek MPBattle River - Crowfoot

Alex Ruff, MSC, CD MP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound (Conservative)

Thank you for taking the time to write to me concerning the prohibition of nuclear weapons.

The previous Conservative Government made it a foreign policy objective to prevent and combat the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, with the ultimate goal being the complete elimination of these weapons. Canada has not possessed weapons of mass destruction since the Conservative government disarmed in 1984 and since then we have signed treaties repudiating possession of them.

Our previous Conservative Government actively worked with allies and partners including NATO, the UN, G8, International Atomic Energy Agency and Conference on Disarmament, on a step-by-step process for the non-proliferation, reduction and eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons.

It was also the Conservative government which took steps towards reducing nuclear proliferation including signing the universal Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a fully in-force Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and a verifiable treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.

My Conservatives colleagues and I remain deeply concerned about the nuclear threats posed by rogue regimes such as North Korea, with their repeated and flagrant violation of international norms. Unless all regimes agree to disarm, Canada and the world will remain under threat.

Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts with me on this important topic.

Sincerely,

Alex Ruff, MSC, CD

Member of Parliament

Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound

Marty Morantz MP, Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia-Headingley (Conservative )

Thank you for your email regarding the United Nations Nuclear Ban Treaty and I appreciate your view on this issue.

Our foreign policy objective must be to prevent and combat the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, with the ultimate goal being the complete elimination of these weapons, but the Conservatives do not believe Canada should sign the Nuclear Ban Treaty at this time.

Canada has not possessed nuclear weapons since 1984 and has continually signed treaties preventing their proliferation.

We as a country must actively work with our allies and partners including NATO, the UN, G8, International Atomic Energy Agency and Conference on Disarmament, on a step-by-step process for the non-proliferation, reduction and eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons.

The previous Conservative government took steps in this regard, which included a universal Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a fully in-force Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and a verifiable treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.

I hope this information helps outline where I stand on this issue. Additionally, I wanted to add that if there’s anything I can do to help you regarding federal programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help however I can.

Marty Morantz

Member of Parliament | Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia-Headingley

James Cumming MP, Edmonton Centre (Conservative)

Thank you for taking the time to write to me concerning the prohibition of nuclear weapons.

I appreciate you taking the time to inform me of your views. I have taken the liberty of passing along your comments to the Shadow Minister for National Defence MP James Bezan for his information and action.

Our previous Conservative Government made it a foreign policy objective to prevent and combat the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, with the ultimate goal being the complete elimination of these weapons. Canada has not possessed weapons of mass destruction since the Conservative government disarmed in 1984 and since then we have signed treaties repudiating possession of them.

In addition, we actively worked with allies and partners including NATO, the UN, G8, International Atomic Energy Agency and Conference on Disarmament, on a step-by-step process for the non-proliferation, reduction and eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons. We also took steps towards reducing nuclear proliferation including signing the universal Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a fully in-force Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and a verifiable treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.

Under the leadership of the Hon. Erin O’Toole, we remain deeply concerned about the nuclear threats posed by rogue regimes such as North Korea, with their repeated and flagrant violation of international norms. Unless all regimes agree to disarm, Canada and the world will remain under threat. We are committed to putting forth reasonable solutions to the Government and asking that they monitor this situation and take the necessary actions to keep us safe.

If I or my office can be of any further assistance to you on a federal matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to my staff. They can be reached at: 780-442-1888 or by email at James.cumming@parl.gc.ca

Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

James Cumming MPEdmonton Centre

Shadow Minister for

Innovation, Science & Industry

Tim S. Uppal MP, Edmonton Mill Woods (Conservative )

Thank you for your email and for sharing your opinion with me regarding the UN Nuclear Ban Treaty.

Our previous Conservative Government made it a foreign policy objective to prevent and combat the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, with the ultimate goal being the complete elimination of these weapons. As you may know, Canada has not possessed weapons of mass destruction since the Conservative government disarmed in 1984 and since then we have signed treaties repudiating possession of them.

Conservatives actively worked with allies and partners including NATO, the UN, G8, International Atomic Energy Agency and Conference on Disarmament, on a step-by-step process for the non-proliferation, reduction, and eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons.

We remain deeply concerned about the nuclear threats posed by rogue regimes such as North Korea, with their repeated and flagrant violation of international norms. Unless all regimes agree to disarm, Canada and the world will remain under threat.

Once again, thank you for reaching out to me.

Sincerely,

Hon. Tim S. Uppal

Member of Parliament – Edmonton Mill Woods

John Nater MP, Perth—Wellington (Conservative)

Thank you for your email.

Canada has not possessed weapons of mass destruction since 1984 and has continually signed treaties repudiating possession of them.

The previous Conservative Government also actively worked with allies and partners including NATO, the UN, G8, International Atomic Energy Agency and Conference on Disarmament, on a step-by-step process for the non-proliferation, reduction and eventual elimination of all nuclear weapons.

We took steps towards nuclear proliferation which included a universal Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a fully in-force Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and a verifiable treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons.

I support these measures.

Sincerely,

John

John Nater

Member of Parliament for Perth—Wellington / Député de Perth—Wellington

Marilyn Gladu MP, Sarnia-Lambton (Conservative)

While I support the principle that all countries in the world would disarm, the reality is that there are many dictator states developing nuclear weapon capabilities. We will stand with our allies and with NATO to ensure world peace and security are maintained.

Best regards,

Marilyn Gladu

Member of Parliament: Sarnia-Lambton

Elizabeth May, O.C. MP, Saanich–Gulf Islands (Green)

Thank you for your email. I spoke recently in the House of Commons about my disappointment that Canada has not signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Please see my statement, here.

It is imperative that Canada support global nuclear disarmament.

Canada and 190 states joined the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which came into force in 1970. However, we have repeatedly undermined the NPT. Under the previous administration, we contracted nuclear materials to India in contravention of the NPT. Canada also agreed to relax our regulatory and reporting requirements to make a $3 billion sale of uranium yellow cake to China. Canada must do better to uphold and enforce the NPT.

I have worked to raise awareness and support for global nuclear disarmament my entire life. I am one of over 800 members of the Order of Canada to call for nuclear disarmament. I will continue to fight for a nuclear-free Canada and for global nuclear disarmament. I encourage you to continue voicing your concerns about Canada’s nuclear activities. Please speak with your family, friends, neighbours, other parliamentarians and write to your local newspaper.

Thank you again for writing. It is an honour to serve as your Member of Parliament.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth May, O.C. MP

Saanich–Gulf Islands

Parliamentary Leader of the Green Party of Canada

Paul Manley MP, Nanaimo-Ladysmith (Green Party)

My name is Irene and I'm MP Paul Manly's assistant. I assist Paul with some of the high volume of correspondence he receives.

Thank you for your email about the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Paul agrees with you. He would also like Canada to sign and ratify the UN Treaty. On Friday of last week he wrote a letter to the Prime Minister urging the federal government to sign onto the agreement. He is also a signatory to the ICAN parliamentary pledge to push for Canada to sign and ratify the Treaty.

I encourage you send an email to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francois-Philippe Champagne, expressing your desire for the government to sign onto the Treaty. Minister Champagne can be reached at francois-philippe.champagne@parl.gc.ca. Please feel free to cc Paul if you send the Minister an email.

Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

Irene

Julie Dzerowicz MP, Davenport (Liberal)

Thanks so much for your email. I want to assure you that MP Julie Dzerowicz has seen your letter and we want to thank you so much for sharing your concerns. Please accept our sincere apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

Here is some information on Canada’s rationale for not signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons:

Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW, also known as the ‘Ban Treaty’): Frustration has been growing in recent years among a number of states about the perceived lack of progress by Nuclear Weapon States in fulfilling their nuclear disarmament commitments, leading many to advocate the immediate negotiation of a prohibition on nuclear weapons. The resulting Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) calls for a total prohibition on nuclear weapons. The TPNW opened for signature in September 2017 and will enter into force 90 days after ratification by 50 states. To date, the Treaty has 82 signatories, and 40 of which have ratified. Nuclear weapon states, as well as Canada and non-nuclear NATO allies, did not take part in the negotiations (except the Netherlands, which participated under a parliamentary mandate), nor have any of them signed or ratified the treaty. Canada assesses the TPNW as inconsistent with NATO obligations, by effectively banning the use of nuclear weapons for deterrence purposes and prohibiting nuclear burden sharing through banning nuclear weapons deployment on the territory of any state party. Canada is also concerned that the TPNW could undermine aspects of the current international non-proliferation and disarmament architecture.

Canada continues to believe that nuclear disarmament can most effectively be advanced through a pragmatic and progressive approach. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to achieving our common goal of a world free of nuclear weapons, and will continue to work with all stakeholders to this end.

MP Dzerowicz shares our government’s commitment to advancing nuclear non-proliferation and to our NATO allies.

Thank you for your letter and your advocacy and your patience! For the latest public health information from all three levels of government, visit these websites:

Canada – Federal: Canada.ca/coronavirus

Ontario – Provincial: Ontario.ca/coronavirus

Toronto – City: Toronto.ca/coronavirus

Very best,

Alexander Keys, on behalf of Julie Dzerowicz

Member of Parliament

Davenport

Office of Mark Gerretsen MP, Kingston and the Islands (Liberal)

Thank you for reaching out to our office regarding the Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

Canada remains committed to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons and working constructively towards this goal.

The government acknowledges the widespread frustration with the pace of global efforts toward nuclear disarmament, which clearly motivated the negotiation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Canada, however, continues to believe that nuclear disarmament can most effectively be advanced through a pragmatic and progressive approach.

The government is focusing on efforts that unite nuclear and non-nuclear armed states, such as commencing negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, advocating for the extension of New START and the eventual expansion of arms control, pushing for the entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, supporting efforts to build global capacity for nuclear disarmament verification, and advancing a more inclusive approach to disarmament.

Without any support from the states that possess nuclear weapons, the TPNW will not eliminate even a single nuclear weapon and its verification provisions are not credible. Additionally, the initiative does not take into account existing security and proliferation threats which require deterrence, such as North Korea.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office again.

All the Best,

Office of Mark Gerretsen MP

Gagan Sikand MP, Mississauga-Streetsville (Liberal)

I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for getting in touch with MP Sikand’s office.

Canada unequivocally supports global nuclear disarmament. Our Government is committed to work that will make concrete steps towards a nuclear-free world. This includes the important work Canada is doing on the development of a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty that will help halt the production of material for nuclear weapons. Canada has been and remains an important player in global nuclear disarmament – and our Government remains entirely committed to that goal.

Thank you for your feedback. Please stay safe and healthy in the midst of everything.

Kind regards,

Sarah

Sarah Hleyhel

Outreach Coordinator

Office of Gagan Sikand

Member of Parliament, Mississauga-Streetsville

Marie-France Lalonde MP, Orléans (Liberal)

Thank you for your correspondence, I hope you and your close ones are well!

Canada unequivocally supports global nuclear disarmament. This is something I and the federal government wholeheartedly support.

We are committed to work that will make concrete steps towards a nuclear-free world. This includes the important work Canada is doing on the development of a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty that will help halt the production of material for nuclear weapons. Canada has been and remains an important player in global nuclear disarmament - We remain entirely committed to that goal.

Thanks again for writing, and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Marie-France Lalonde

Member of Parliament | Députée Orléans

Arif Virani MP, Parkdale-High Park (Liberal)

Thank you for your email. My name is Chris and I am an assistant to MP Virani.

Canada strongly supports the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Its entry into force is a key component of the step-by-step approach to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. The CTBT prohibits all nuclear explosions, including nuclear weapon tests. By banning such tests, the CTBT helps prevent States from developing nuclear weapons or improving them.

Along with Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands, Canada has co-hosted a Ministerial-level “Friends of the CTBT” meeting every two years since 2002, to further encourage countries to ratify and bring the treaty into force. Canada ratified the CTBT on December 3, 1998 when Parliament passed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Implementation Act. The Act created the CTBT National Authority to implement the Treaty in Canada.

Additionally, Canada supports international efforts with respect to nuclear disarmament through the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and reinforced by related initiatives. Canada seeks to prevent States from acquiring nuclear weapons, decreasing the number of nuclear weapons worldwide, and eventually irreversibly eliminating them. Canada strongly advocates for non-proliferation and a step-by-step approach to nuclear disarmament. This approach involves having all states join the NPT, bringing the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) into force and negotiating a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT).

Canada works closely with like-minded States to promote nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, including with:

• the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

• the G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group

• the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative

Canada is also taking steps to prevent States and Non-State Actors from acquiring nuclear weapons and related materials, technology, and knowledge, both through Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program and through implementing commitments arising from the Nuclear Security Summit process.

In the following link you can find the most recent news release from the NPT.

Thank you again for taking the time to write our office regarding this important issue.

Best,

Office of Arif Virani,

Member of Parliament for Parkdale-High Park

Carolyn Bennett MP, Toronto-St. Paul’s (Liberal)

Thank you for contacting our office regarding the Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). We appreciate you providing us with your position and feedback on this issue.

Our government supports a pragmatic step-by-step approach towards nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament that halts the spread of nuclear weapons, reduces existing stockpiles, and irreversibly eliminates these weapons.

Canada acknowledges that the TPNW reflects well-founded concerns about the lack of recent progress toward nuclear disarmament. But, unfortunately, the treaty undermines the existing non-proliferation and disarmament regime, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). This existing regime is an important part of disarmament. The treaty is also inconsistent with Canada’s NATO obligations, and does not contain credible provisions for monitoring and verification, which are essential.

It is important that we take steps toward nuclear non-proliferation, while ensuring we respect existing international legal frameworks and obligations to our allies across the world.

Thank you again for your message.

Very best,

Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett

MP for Toronto-St. Paul’s

Rachel Blaney MP, North Island-Powell River (NDP)

Nuclear weapons pose a significant threat to global peace and security and are an existential threat to humanity. Rachel and all New Democrats are listening to Canadians who want their country to be a force for global peace and understand that this must include signing onto the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

The increased threat from nuclear weapons comes as nuclear arms control agreements are collapsing, nuclear-armed States are developing new weapons systems, and conflicts between nuclear-armed States are on a rise.

In an increasingly uncertain global environment, it is more important than ever that we work to eradicate these weapons. The NDP has long opposed nuclear weapons, and we believe in the need to actively work towards ensuring that nuclear weapons are never used again.

In 2016, at the UN General Assembly, under the leadership of the Liberal government, Canada voted against starting negotiations for a new treaty to ban the development and possession of nuclear weapons and then, in 2017, Canada boycotted the negotiations. All the while, New Democrats were calling on the government to step up to table, to participate in the negotiations and to ratify the new treaty.

We will continue pushing the Liberal government to be a part of these discussions and sign on to the treaty. There are no winners in a nuclear war.

Thank you for writing us with your concerns, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch again if you have any questions.

Take care,

Jessie Gervais

Adjoint Législatif | Legislative Assistant

Bureau de Rachel Blaney | Office of Rachel Blaney

Députée de | MP for North Island-Powell River

Richard Cannings MP, South Okanagan-West Kootenay (NDP)

Thank you for asking about my position on nuclear disarmament. To respond to your question here is a photograph of me signing the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty and my speech in the House of Commons on why we must eliminate nuclear weapons. This is a cause which I and the NDP continue to push forward.

Sincerely,

Richard Cannings MP

South Okanagan-West Kootenay