In read with interest that the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs will conduct an inquiry into the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As a country which has long and actively supported the creation of an effective international system for arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, Canada has been increasingly concerned by threats to that system which have developed in recent years. For that reason, the Select Committee's decision to initiate this inquiry is welcome and timely.

  As you may know, in November 1996, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs asked the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Canadian House of Commons to carry out a study of the challenges posed by the continuing presence of nuclear weapons in the arsenals of a number of powers and to suggest ways in which Canada might contribute to reducing the threat of those weapons to international peace and security.

  While the remit of the Standing Committee was originally somewhat narrower than that adopted by the Select Committee, Canadian parliamentarians found it necessary to address the problem of non-proliferation of other types of weapons of mass destruction as well. Accordingly, the Canadian report and recommendations, as well as the Government's response, may be of interest to you in your inquiry.

  The Standing Committee issued its report on 10 December 1998. The Canadian Government's response to the report was in April 1999. The full report of the Standing Committee can be found through the website of the Canadian Parliament at www.parl.gc.ca or through the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/nucchallenge/. I enclose a copy of the Government's statement in response to the report.

  I should be happy to answer any questions you may have with respect to the report, the Government's response or current Canadian activity in the field of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.