The proposed global ban applies only to anti-personnel landmines. Canada has not used anti-personnel mines, operationally, since the Korean War, and we have not produced these weapons since 1992 nor exported them since 1987. Canada has never been a significant holder of anti-personnel landmine stocks, compared to many other countries. The widespread use of anti-personnel landmines in these countries has resulted in social and economic upheaval and human tragedy of immeasurable proportions. Anti-personnel landmines which have been sown at random can continue to kill and maim innocent civilians long after their intended operational use has expired.
Children are often the victims.
Anti-personnel mines can conceal their deadly potential for decades if they are not marked, removed, or detonated. The Government's commitment to a global ban was demonstrated when the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Minister of National Defence announced a moratorium on the production, use, and export of anti-personnel mines on January 17, 1996. Canada deepened its commitment when, in October 1996, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of National Defence jointly announced Canada's intention to eliminate all its anti-personnel landmine holdings. Most of Canada's operational stocks of anti-personnel landmines are held at Dundurn, Saskatchewan, and will be destroyed by military personnel qualified in explosive ordnance disposal. In accordance with the provisions of the Treaty, the Canadian Forces will retain a small quantity of anti-personnel mines for research and development of mine detection and clearance equipment, and for training our military personnel in demining operations.