e-3828 (Foreign affairs)

Canada is deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and has long been committed to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.

Canada recognizes that the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) reflects well-founded concerns about the unacceptable pace of nuclear disarmament – concerns that Canada very much shares. Canada believes that a step-by-step approach to nuclear disarmament remains the most viable pathway to achieving meaningful and lasting progress.

While not a party to the TPNW, Canada has common ground with Treaty states and shares the ultimate goal of a world free from nuclear weapons. For this reason, Canada remains steadfast in advancing implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) across all three of its mutually re-enforcing pillars (non-proliferation, disarmament, peaceful uses of nuclear energy). The NPT is the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime and Canada is focused on preparing for the long-awaited Review Conference of the NPT, taking place in August.

Canada is also focusing its efforts on initiatives that bring together nuclear and non-nuclear armed states such as commencing negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, pushing for the entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, supporting initiatives to build global capacity for nuclear disarmament verification, and advancing a more inclusive approach to disarmament and non-proliferation, including the full and equal participation of women and engagement of youth. Canada welcomed the extension of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and Russia and advocates for the expansion of arms control. Canada has also supported the U.S.-Russian Strategic Stability Dialogue and regrets that it has come to a halt due to Russia’s unjustifiable and unprovoked war on Ukraine.

Canada is an active member of coalitions of non-nuclear weapon states, like the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative and the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament. These Initiatives have put forward pragmatic proposals to advance nuclear disarmament.

Canada is an important contributor to global nuclear disarmament efforts and remains deeply committed to achieving the ultimate goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.