Canada: Commit to the Arms Trade Treaty!

I got this from Amnesty International:

http://www.amnesty.ca/get-involved/take-action-now/canada-commit-to-the-arms-trade-treaty

Victory for Human Rights: USA signs historic treaty to end irresponsible arms sales around the world!
Canada's Foreign Minister needs to hear from you

	A treaty that can save lives has been made more powerful
	Write a  letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs calling on the government of Canada to sign the Arms Trade Treaty without further delay. Write to: The Honourable John Baird Minister for Foreign Affairs House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 FAX: 613-996-9880 Email: john.baird@parl.gc.ca

An historic 20-year effort that you supported with your signature made a giant leap forward on Sept 25  when US Secretary of State John Kerry signed the Arms Trade Treaty.

When I wrote to you previously on this subject in April, we shared the good news that the United Nations had adopted the treaty. We recognized that the next major challenge was to have the US sign and ratify this landmark treaty to end the unscrupulous trade in deadly weapons used by dictators, war lords, and criminal gangs to commit atrocities.

The US signature is a very important development that can make this treaty a reality and help save lives.

Now, if the biggest arms dealer in the world -- by far -- can sign onto this treaty, why hasn't Canada signed?

Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Baird, has indicated that he is looking to consult Canadians on this issue.

Please consider taking a few minutes to send an email (john.baird@parl.gc.ca) or write a letter to Minister Baird, reminding him of your support for the Arms Trade Treaty.

As you know, Amnesty International believes whole-heartedly in the power of individual voices to affect change, and the influence of a personal letter.

This is one of those moments when a letter from you can make a difference.
Sincerely,



Alex Neve
Secretary General
Amnesty International Canada
P.S. For background on this historic annoucement, read our press release. To follow the latest information on signatures and ratification of the treaty, visit the United Nations Office for Disarmaments Affairs.