Please read the following letter sent by Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada, to the Right. Hon. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling on Canada to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons before he leaves his position:
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
February 26, 2025
Re: Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Dear Prime Minister,
I write with a sense of urgency to call on your government to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons before you leave office as Prime Minister.
Nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to global peace and security, the environment and all of humanity. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China’s threats to Taiwan – these situations show that our world is becoming increasingly unstable. The threat of nuclear weapons being used once again is becoming more real every day.
The TPNW is the only internationally recognized multilateral disarmament framework that can achieve nuclear disarmament. Although Canada does not possess nuclear weapons of our own, engaging with the TPNW is Canada’s opportunity to be a global leader in moving disarmament forward by influencing our allies with our decisions. Your legacy as Prime Minister and global disarmament movement would both be significantly bolstered by you taking this brave stance before ending your term.
I will be attending the United Nations in New York for the third Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW on March 3. I invite you to join me at the meeting, or send a delegation, and commit Canada to signing onto the TPNW. At the least, Canada must become an observer state to the treaty like Germany and Norway. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines any longer.
Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth May, O.C.
Member of Parliament
Saanich-Gulf Islands
Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada
Cc: The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs