Majority of exports go to NATO allies, but less friendly countries also made purchases
Business has been brisk for Canadian weapons dealers over the past year, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, as a boost in exports has vaulted them into the 12th biggest exporters in the world. Canada had previously ranked 15th in the world in 2008 and 2009. The Report on the Export of Military Goods from Canada for 2007-2009, published by the Department of Foreign Affairs, reports Canada sold $1.4 billion worth of military gear to 70 countries between 2006 and 2009. And while most of the exports found their way into the hands of friendly nations—52 per cent went to NATO allies such as Britain, France, Germany and Norway—notorious human rights violators like Saudi Arabia, China, Libya and Tunisia were also sent Canadian-manufactured weapons. It’s worth noting the figures above don’t include exports to the U.S., which are kept private and have been estimated to be worth $1.5 billion to $2 billion per year.