As a diamond producing country, Canada is deeply involved in the international effort to curb the mining and trade of conflict diamonds. When the Kimberly Process was initiated by South Africa in May of 2000, Canada was one of the major backers of the concept. It has cooperated and supported the UN in its sanctions and resolutions with regards to the conflict diamond problem. As further proof of its sincerity and seriousness in the matter, it pledged its support (together with other G8 leaders) in Alberta, Canada.
Furthermore, Canada has since then passed several laws which aim to stem the flow of conflict diamonds. These laws deal with the import, export, and transit of rough diamonds which may come from questionable countries. In December 2002, the Canadian government passed the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act. This Act serves to present a system of control for the importation, exportation, and transit of rough diamonds through the country. It also acknowledges the Kimberly Process and cites it as the minimum measure for rough diamonds to be able to be certified. The Act also gives a local name pertaining to the certification required by the Kimberly Process – that is, Canadian Certificate. This certificate is required for any shipment of rough diamonds – export, import, or in transit. The investigating officer is given authority to seize any shipment which is deemed unsuitable as per the requirements of the Act.
As an addition to the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act, the Canadian government laid down rules and regulations in detail. This addendum is called the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Regulations. This document covers sections such as application for a Canadian certificate, export and import reports, containers for rough diamonds, and record keeping.
As recent as June of 2006, the Canadian government has announced plans to further strengthen its laws regarding conflict diamonds. Developments like these just go to show that the Canadian government is serious in its efforts to help clean up the diamond industry. Perhaps it is partly due to its own interests as a diamond producing nation. Nevertheless, their laws and policies are clearly against that of conflict diamonds.