Canadian Department of National Defence, OTTAWA: The Honourable Gordon O’Connor, Minister of National Defence, together with the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade, today welcomed the signing of an arrangement between the Department of National Defence (DND) and the United States Department of State. The arrangement addresses the application of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to U.S. exports of defence articles and services to DND.
Under this arrangement, the Department of State has agreed to grant access to defence articles and services exported under the ITAR to DND personnel who are Canadian citizens holding a minimum secret-level security clearance, including dual nationals. DND personnel includes Canadian Forces members, civilian employees, embedded contractors and employees of other federal government departments and agencies working within DND.
“This arrangement is good news for the Canadian Forces,” said Minister O’Connor. “It ensures that key defence procurements can be advanced and we can continue to move forward with the purchase of critical equipment for our troops.”
“This achievement is a further sign of the goodwill between both countries and the strong commitment to working together on bilateral defence and security issues,” said Minister MacKay. “This is a solution that supports common Canada/U.S. security objectives in this post-9/11 environment.”
“Canada views today's arrangement as an important first phase in resolving this complex issue,” said Minister Emerson. “Canada's high-tech, defence and aerospace sectors can rest assured that it is our priority to engage the U.S. in further discussions with respect to ITAR issues affecting these industries.”
The arrangement, which took the form of an exchange of letters signed by Mr. Ward Elcock, Deputy Minister of National Defence, and Mr. John D. Negroponte, Deputy Secretary of State, reflects the shared objectives of the governments of both Canada and the United States to ensure the security of ITAR-controlled defence articles and services.
Canada’s New Government recognizes that this is a first phase in resolving this complex issue and will continue to engage with U.S. officials to pursue a similar solution for other federal government departments and Canadian industry. The government will be actively engaged with Canadian industry through a consultative working group.
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