When the NDP’s arms-control bill aimed at halting mostly permit-free Canadian military exports to the U. S. comes up for a vote on Wednesday, it might receive backing from over a dozen Liberal MPs.
This would mark the first instance of some members in the Liberal caucus breaking away from the government’s stance on legislation under Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“By my count, so far, I think there may be somewhere between … nine to 16 Liberal members who may support the bill,” said NDP’s Jenny Kwan, who sponsors the bill, during a news conference on Tuesday.
Two Liberal MPs who spoke to anonymously due to confidentiality regarding caucus talks confirmed that estimate is correct.
So far, four Liberals have openly endorsed Bill C-233, which the NDP refers to as the No More Loopholes Act.
This legislation would enforce export controls on weapons and munitions sent to the U. S., similar to those in place for most other countries.
The NDP argues that Canadian arms sent south often get redirected to other nations, even if Canada doesn’t directly export them, citing Sudan and Israel as examples.
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Liberal MP for Scarborough Centre Salma Zahid is one of four Liberal MPs publicly supporting Kwan’s bill. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
During a parliamentary debate on Monday, Liberal MP Salma Zahid stated that the bill “is about ensuring that Canada lives up to its international obligations and that our industries act responsibly within the global defence trade.”
“The bill is not anti-industry and it is not anti-Canada’s defence sector, but it is anti-complicity in violence against civilians.”
Other Liberals who have expressed their support include Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Fares Al Soud and Aslam Rana.
Last month, reported that Canada’s Crown corporation overseeing international arms sales had alerted then international trade minister Dominic Le Blanc about artillery propellants headed for Israel back in March 2025.
This occurred more than a year after Canada announced it would stop issuing permits for exports to Israel due to concerns about the conflict in Gaza.
Activist groups also released a report claiming hundreds of shipments have traveled from the U. S. to Israel. has independently tracked several of these shipments originating from Canada.
Kwan says she is open to amendments
Kwan mentioned she remains open to changes regarding her private member’s bill but hasn’t received any specific suggestions from Liberal MPs except asking her to remove language pertaining to the U. S.
The government insists that existing exemptions for exports heading into the U. S. are not loopholes but part of an intentional strategy aimed at enhancing defence integration with an essential ally.
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If more than a dozen Liberal MPs side with the NDP as expected, it would mark the first time members of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s caucus have broken ranks with government policy on legislation since he took office. (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)
At Monday’s debate, Karim Bardeesy, parliamentary secretary for Industry Minister Mélanie Joly noted that “the bill would limit Canadian sovereignty at a time of great conflict while playing no meaningful difference on conflicts concerning those who support it.”
He added that instead of closing loopholes this proposal could “blow up” an important defense and trade relationship with NATO allies.
Speaking on behalf of Conservative Party was MP Ziad Aboultaif asserting that “the bill aims at imposing Canadian foreign policy upon our closest ally while putting those involved in our defense industry at risk.”
He argued this measure could create issues within Canada-U. S. relations and jeopardize jobs here.
The Bloc Québécois shared similar concerns. Bloc MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe remarked that while well-intentioned; this legislation might be too broad-possibly harming industries already struggling under American tariffs.
He also suggested there’s no guarantee that The U. S. will cooperate.
“The idea that America would start seeking Canada’s approval before shipping small arms and light weapons seems unrealistic,” he said.
When asked by whether members will be allowed free votes come Wednesday House leader Steven Mac Kinnon’s office declined comment.
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