Liberals MPs warned that NDP bill on military exports could ‘dismantle’ defence trade

OTTAWA — A leaked briefing document prepared for the federal Liberal caucus claims that a bill put forward by NDP MP Jenny Kwan would “decimate” Canada’s defence industry and “dismantle” defence sector trade with the U.S.

The briefing document, obtained by The Canadian Press, arms Liberal MPs with blunt talking points that call the legislation “misguided” and say it would introduce new red tape that would delay defence exports.

But Kwan argues the bill is needed to strengthen arms oversight and keep Canadian-made military hardware out of the hands of those who would use those weapons against civilian populations.

Her private member’s bill, C-233, would add requirements to exports of parts and end permit-free access to the United States for Canadian military goods.

With just seven seats in the House of Commons, the vastly outnumbered NDP needs significant cross-party support to pass the bill.

When asked about Canada’s export regime for military equipment last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand insisted Canada has some of the most stringent export controls in the world.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2025.