Canada Introduces Bill to strengthen the Kimberley Process

The Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, R. John Efford, introduced on Thursday two amendments to the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act to ensure that Canada meets its Kimberley Process Certification Scheme obligations.

The first amendment will allow Canada to publish Kimberley Process Certificate-based trade statistics, bringing Canada inline with other countries participating in the Process.

The second amendment will clarify the size of diamonds subject to the Kimberley Process.

"The Government of Canada is committed to the Kimberley Process, which is helping build greater transparency and accountability in the international diamond trade," said Minister Efford.

"This bill will help Canada meet its international obligations under this agreement, ensuring the smooth trade of legitimate diamonds and supporting Canada's burgeoning diamond industry in the North."

The Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act is under the authority of the Minister of Natural Resources and serves as the legal foundation to implement the Kimberley Process in Canada.

At the Kimberley Process plenary meeting held in Gatineau, Quebec, in October 2004, several modifications were brought forward to improve the effectiveness of the process. As a result, amendments are required to the Act to ensure that Canada remains compliant with the international agreement.