Canada’s General Statement to the 2023 NPT Preparatory Committee to the NPT 11th Review Conference

Check against delivery.

August 1, 2023

Mr. Chair,

Thank you for your leadership as we gather for the first Preparatory Committee of the eleventh NPT review cycle.

You can count on Canada to contribute constructively in support of this essential Treaty - at the core of the international nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime. This includes through our work in cross regional groups such as the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative, the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament, and the Vienna Group of 10. These groups have put forward concrete, practical, and realistic recommendations that would implement the NPT across its three mutually re-enforcing pillars.

Discussion within the Working Group confirmed that improving accountability and transparency on NPT implementation is of paramount importance for States parties. Canada will continue to make this a priority moving forward, especially the issue of enhancing discussion of the implementation reports of the nuclear-weapon States.

We encourage all States parties to consider these recommendations, just as we will consider the views and good faith recommendations put forth by others. We stand ready to engage with all to build on areas of convergence. We would like to highlight the following key Canadian priorities:

• Achieving real progress towards a world free of nuclear weapons. Nuclear-weapon States must do more to implement their obligations and commitments under Article VI of the NPT.
• Encouraging any and all complementary efforts to refocus political attention to launch long overdue negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. Such a Treaty would make an enormous contribution to disarmament and non-proliferation.
• Achieving the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty – a Treaty that is vital to the NPT architecture.
• Continuing to develop international nuclear disarmament verification capacity, which will build confidence, dialogue, and collaboration between all states.
• Urgently implementing nuclear risk reduction measures to ensure that a nuclear weapon is never used inadvertently or accidentally.
• Recognizing the immense benefits of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science and technology, Canada is committed to advancing implementation of the peaceful uses pillar towards achieving sustainable development and overcome global challenges.
• Acknowledging that the verification and compliance work of the International Atomic Energy Agency is essential for safeguarding against the further development of these devastating weapons.
• Calling on all states to bring into force a Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement and an Additional Protocol as the verification standard for ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of nuclear programs.

We are gathering under the shadow of deeply destabilizing and disturbing world events:

• Russia’s continuation of its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.
• This NPT depository State is flagrantly disrespecting its commitments under the Budapest Memorandum, continuing to engage in reckless nuclear rhetoric, and endangering Ukraine’s nuclear facilities.
• North Korea’s expansion of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
• Iran’s expansion of its nuclear program, including enrichment of uranium to 60% and its failure to address outstanding safeguards questions.
• And, China’s rapid and opaque expansion of its nuclear arsenal.

In light of these immense challenges and in pursuit of increased international peace and security, it is all the more important to protect and strengthen NPT implementation.

As we look towards the future of the NPT, better and more lasting solutions to global problems will be found when diverse and inclusive perspectives contribute to problem solving and innovation.

Meaningful and inclusive engagement by women, youth, and other underrepresented groups will strengthen the value, credibility, and effectiveness of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

This includes promoting the opportunity for civil society to contribute to proceedings. They can offer valuable expertise, corporate memory, and perspectives that will enhance the sustainability of NPT implementation.

For its part, Canada comes to the first PrepCom of this review cycle with a collaborative spirit and urges all States parties to work together to make the most of our two weeks together.

Thank you.