Categories: Need to know

Canada is world’s 12th biggest arms dealer

Majority of exports go to NATO allies, but less friendly countries also made purchases

by macleans.ca on Monday, July 11, 2011 11:20am - 3 Comments

Business has been brisk for Canadian weapons dealers over the past year, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, as a boost in exports has vaulted them into the 12th biggest exporters in the world. Canada had previously ranked 15th in the world in 2008 and 2009. The Report on the Export of Military Goods from Canada for 2007-2009, published by the Department of Foreign Affairs, reports Canada sold $1.4 billion worth of military gear to 70 countries between 2006 and 2009. And while most of the exports found their way into the hands of friendly nations—52 per cent went to NATO allies such as Britain, France, Germany and Norway—notorious human rights violators like Saudi Arabia, China, Libya and Tunisia were also sent Canadian-manufactured weapons. It’s worth noting the figures above don’t include exports to the U.S., which are kept private and have been estimated to be worth $1.5 billion to $2 billion per year.

Ottawa Citizen

Tags: weapons

Anonymous

And while most of the exports found their way into the hands of friendly nations—52 per cent went to NATO allies such as Britain, France, Germany and Norway—notorious human rights violators like Saudi Arabia, China, Libya and Tunisia were also sent Canadian-manufactured weapons.

So, what should I make of that…if 52% goes to (NATO) allies, does that mean that 48% goes to the notorious countries? Probably not, since “most” of our exports “found” their way into the hands of friendlies – the rest of the numbers would be nice.

OTOH, even if sales to Lybia were only 1% of the total, why on earth were we even selling them that amount of arms?
Anonymous

And while most of the exports found their way into the hands of friendly nations—52 per cent went to NATO allies such as Britain, France, Germany and Norway—notorious human rights violators like Saudi Arabia, China, Libya and Tunisia were also sent Canadian-manufactured weapons.

So, what should I make of that…if 52% goes to (NATO) allies, does that mean that 48% goes to the notorious countries? Probably not, since “most” of our exports “found” their way into the hands of friendlies – the rest of the numbers would be nice.

OTOH, even if sales to Lybia were only 1% of the total, why on earth were we even selling them that amount of arms?
Anonymous

With any luck we are selling as much as we are buying. As with any commodity, it is frustrating to see Canada importing what it could be manufacturing here. A trade balance is the least we should look for. That certainly includes military equipment…why wouldn’t it? And yes,we should take a pass on selling to human rights violators and rogue states.