Up to 16 Liberals considering support for NDP's arms-control legislation

[Dr Strangelove]

Vote would mark first time some in caucus split from government line under Carney

Bill C‑233 would:
- Remove the automatic exemption that allows Canadian arms and munitions to be exported to the U.S. without permits
- Apply the same export‑control rules to the U.S. that Canada uses for most other countries
- Target what the NDP calls a “loophole” that allows Canadian-made components to be shipped to the U.S. and then diverted to third countries such as Sudan and Israel

Four Liberal MPs have publicly endorsed the bill:
• Salma Zahid
• Nathaniel Erskine‑Smith
• Fares Al Soud
• Aslam Rana
Zahid argues the bill is about avoiding complicity in violence against civilians and ensuring Canada meets its international obligations.

The Carney government says:
• The U.S. exemption is not a loophole, but a deliberate policy to support defence integration with a key NATO ally
• The bill would damage Canadian sovereignty, weaken defence cooperation, and not meaningfully affect global conflicts
• It risks blowing up a critical defence and trade relationship with the U.S.

- Conservatives: Oppose the bill, calling it an attempt to impose Canadian foreign policy on the U.S. and a threat to Canadian defence‑industry jobs.
- Bloc Québécois: Says the bill is well‑intentioned but too broad; warns it could worsen industries already hit by U.S. tariffs.
- Government House Leader’s office: Declined to say whether Liberals will get a free vote