OTTAWA: Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has announced the commencement of an investigation into reports that Canadian-made rifles have been found in the hands of Russian snipers.
Minister Anand stated that Canada possesses one of the world’s most sophisticated military export control systems and is treating the matter of Canadian-made guns being obtained by Russian snipers with utmost seriousness. The report indicates that while some of the weapons were identified as having been captured on the battlefield, others were newly manufactured rifles.
The rifles’ manufacturer, Cadex Defence, asserted that the company does not export guns to Russia and strictly adheres to Canada’s export regulations.
The controversy arose following a Canadian media report which revealed that Quebec-manufactured rifles were acquired by Russian snipers despite the stringent sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The report was supported by photographic evidence circulating on Russian social media channels, showing Russian soldiers holding the Canadian rifles.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from political figures. Andriy Plakhotniuk, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada, called for a “comprehensive investigation” into the matter. Michael Chong, the Opposition Foreign Affairs Critic, stressed that it is the Federal government’s responsibility to ensure that Canadian weapons do not reach the hands of adversaries. Meanwhile, the NDP described the presence of Canadian weapons in Russia as “unfortunate” and urged the government to strengthen sanctions against Moscow.
