Statement by Canada to the Group of Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)

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New York, USA, September 24, 2024

Delivered by Daivd Angell, Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security and Political Affairs, 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly High-level Week

Madam Chair, Minister Wong, HR Nakamitsu, Executive Secretary Floyd, Ministers, Ambassadors, Colleagues,

Canada fully supports the CTBT and the CTBT Organization.

The CTBTO is doing crucial work in advance of the entry into force of the treaty by reinforcing the norm against nuclear testing. Actual entry into force of the CTBT nevertheless remains a necessary step towards a world without nuclear weapons.

As a demonstration of our commitment to the CTBT, Canada will provide in-kind and financial support valued at $1.7 million to the CTBTO for the 2025 international field exercise in Sri Lanka. This contribution will help to ensure that the CTBTO has the tools and expertise necessary to conduct on-site inspections once the treaty enters into force.

Urgent action is needed in order for entry into force to become reality. We call on all remaining Annex 2 states to ratify the treaty immediately. In the interim, we urge all states to maintain or declare moratoria on nuclear testing.

Canada is open to exploring new and innovative ways to facilitate ratification. We commend US efforts to increase transparency at its Nevada test site and encourage Russia and China to follow suit, and of course join the Minister of State from Germany in expressing concern with regard to Russia’s actions. Resumption of nuclear testing by any state would be an enormous setback, and would merit international condemnation.

In closing, allow me please to join others and congratulating Papua New Guinea on ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Thank you, Madam Chair.