Prime Minister announces new measures to support Ukraine
October 28, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
As Ukrainians bravely defend their country and our shared values of peace, democracy, and human rights, Canada remains steadfast in our support. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to support the government and people of Ukraine, and hold Russia accountable for its brutal, unjustifiable invasion.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today attended the XXVII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he announced new measures to continue supporting the people of Ukraine.
The Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada will issue Ukraine Sovereignty Bonds, which will help the government continue operations, including providing essential services to Ukrainians, like pensions, and purchasing fuel before winter. The equivalent proceeds from this five-year bond will be channelled directly to Ukraine through the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Administered Account. This builds on the Government of Canada’s $2 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine this year.
To increase pressure on Putin’s regime, the Prime Minister also announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions on individuals and entities complicit in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These new measures will target 35 senior officials of energy entities, including those of Gazprom and its subsidiaries, and six energy sector entities involved in Russia’s ongoing violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also announced that Canada intends to impose new sanctions on members of the Russian justice and security sectors, including police officers and investigators, prosecutors, judges, and prison officials, involved in gross and systematic human rights violations against Russian opposition leaders. These new measures build on the sanctions we have already implemented against over 1,400 individuals and entities.
The 39 armoured combat support vehicles (ACSVs) we announced for Ukraine in June have started to arrive in Europe, where training for the Ukrainian forces is underway, with the last expected to be delivered end of November. Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $600 million in military assistance to Ukraine. We will continue to help Ukraine meet its urgent requirements for military and defence equipment.
As winter approaches, Canada will continue to be there to support the people of Ukraine. Over 17 million Ukrainians are currently in need of humanitarian assistance, and many are ill prepared for the colder months. That is why the Prime Minister announced that Canada is allocating $55 million in previously announced funding to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Organization for Migration, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other humanitarian partners to support winterization initiatives. This includes providing shelter and distributing essential items such as blankets, clothing, heating appliances, and fuel.
Canada is also moving forward with previously budgeted $15 million in funding for demining support to Ukraine, including the procurement of urgently needed demining equipment for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine through Global Affairs Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program and the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program.
To address the devastating impacts of Russia’s invasion on Ukrainian expertise, innovation, and talent, the Prime Minister announced the launch of the Canada-Ukraine Science Partnership, which will invite up to 20 Ukraine-based scientists to come work and live in Canada. This initiative will help Ukraine preserve and rebuild its science and research capacity.
Canada will continue our unwavering support for Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. We will continue to work with our international partners to hold Putin accountable for his illegal invasion and the war crimes and human rights violations that have been committed by his regime.
Quotes
“Canada and Ukraine are united – not just by the strong ties between our peoples, but also by our fundamental belief in freedom, in democracy, in justice, and in the triumph of light over darkness. As Russia continues its illegal and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine, Canada will continue to support the Ukrainian government and people. In standing up for themselves, Ukrainians are standing up for democracy everywhere.”
“Canada remains unwavering in our commitment to support the people of Ukraine in their fight against Putin’s illegal and barbaric invasion, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure Ukraine has the resources it needs to win. Now, through a bond designated for Ukraine, Canadians can contribute to this critical effort through a new federally backed investment.”
“Russia’s disregard for human rights will not stand. President Putin’s history of gross human rights abuses is well documented, and Canada is doing everything it can to support Ukrainians who have suffered at the hands of his regime. As Ukrainians continue to fight valiantly to reclaim the land that is rightfully theirs, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
“Putin continues his unwarranted and illegal invasion of Ukraine by targeting civilian infrastructure, such as power stations and water facilities, which is a blatant attempt to further force the people of Ukraine to unjustly suffer during the coming winter months. Canada is committed to helping equip the crises-affected people with essential winterization tools and we are working with our humanitarian partners to assess the needs so that they can continue to scale up their operations and mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations.”
“Canada is resolutely committed to helping Ukraine defend itself against Putin’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion. In recent weeks, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have made incredible progress reclaiming ground and Canada’s assistance has been integral in their counter offensive. The Canadian Armed Forces have helped donate equipment, train security forces and recruits, and transport aid. We will continue to meet Ukraine’s military momentum with the military aid they need to fight and win.”
“In response to unjustifiable Russian aggression, Canada is helping Ukraine preserve its scientific capacity. By welcoming Ukrainian scientists to Canada, we can provide meaningful and important research opportunities for individuals forced to leave behind their careers and their homes by this ongoing conflict.”
Quick Facts
- Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,400 individuals and entities complicit in Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada’s allies and international partners.
- Between 2015 and 2022, Canada trained more than 33,000 members of Ukraine's security forces as part of Operation UNIFIER.
- The new Ukraine Sovereignty Bonds will be offered by participating financial institutions in denominations and rates of return which will be announced soon. Those who choose to invest in this bond will, in effect, be purchasing a regular Government of Canada five-year bond backed by Canada’s triple-A credit rating. Canada is the first country in the world outside of Ukraine to offer a bond for purchase in support of Ukraine.
- Canada has committed $2 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine this year, all of which has already been disbursed. This is in addition to nearly $1.5 billion in assistance committed, including through military aid, $320 million in humanitarian response efforts, and immigration measures.
- Canada is also providing support through key international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Since the onset of Russia’s illegal invasion, these three institutions have together committed more than $28.5 billion to support Ukrainians.
- The Canada-Ukraine Science Partnership is open to scientists and postgraduate students who have fled or are fleeing Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. This includes highly qualified individuals with experience in the natural resource sectors and students who are seeking placements at Canadian academic institutions to continue their research. They are encouraged to apply through the newly created Canada-Ukraine Science Partnership website.
- Canada is also helping Ukrainian families find a safe, temporary home in Canada, and has put in place supports to help them after they arrive. This includes temporary financial assistance and access to federally funded settlement services, such as language training and employment-related services.
- Streamlining current visa and travel requirements, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians to come to Canada. As of October 18, 2022, close to 315,000 applications have been approved.
Associated Links
- Ukrainian Canadian Congress
- Canadian Sanctions Related to Russia
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
- Canada-Ukraine Science Partnership
October 27, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Premier-designate of British Columbia, David Eby, to congratulate him on being invited to form a new government.
The leaders discussed how they plan to build on the strong collaboration between their two governments in delivering for the people of British Columbia. They agreed to continue to advance shared priorities, such as affordable housing, addressing climate change and protecting the environment, and strengthening health care, including mental health and addictions supports.
The Prime Minister and the Premier-designate agreed to remain in close contact and look forward to working together.
Associated Link
October 27, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Rishi Sunak.
Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Sunak on his recent appointment. The two leaders discussed the importance of building on the strong relationship between their two countries, particularly to address ongoing global concerns such as Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, uncertainties facing the global economy, challenges to energy security, and opportunities for supporting opportunities for clean growth and job creation.
Prime Minister Trudeau also underlined his interest in working closely with Prime Minister Sunak to address climate change and to support a successful COP15 in Canada in December. The prime ministers further discussed the deepening of the security cooperation between Canada and the UK, and agreed to pursue related efforts through the Canada-UK enhanced national security partnership.
The two leaders confirmed their shared support for efforts to reinforce supply chain security and to promote free and open rules-based trade globally. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s support for the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The prime ministers emphasized that ongoing negotiations toward a comprehensive, ambitious, and inclusive free trade agreement between Canada and the UK remain a priority. They also discussed the importance of the G7, and agreed to continue closely collaborating with its members.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Sunak looked forward to meeting in person during the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Indonesia.
Associated Links
- Canada-United Kingdom relations
- Statement by the Prime Minister welcoming new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss of the United Kingdom
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
October 27, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the United States Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, during Secretary Blinken’s visit to Canada.
The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State recognized the strength and unique character of the U.S.-Canada relationship, and emphasized the commitment of both of their governments to advancing bilateral cooperation under the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership.
The Prime Minister and the Secretary agreed to continue to collaborate to address a range of bilateral and cross-border issues, including the current NEXUS and FAST application backlog, and to strengthen our shared North American economy. They highlighted the importance of working together on energy security and supply chain resilience. They also reiterated their governments’ commitments to work together in the Arctic, and to defend the North American continent.
The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State shared views on a range of current global issues, including in Haiti, Iran, and our mutual engagements in the Indo-Pacific. They also reiterated their mutual commitment to provide continued assistance to Ukraine and to work with a wide range of partners to address the impacts of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable aggression. The Prime Minister spoke of the importance of maintaining strong unity amongst allies and continuing to impose severe costs on Russia in the face of its invasion of Ukraine and further blatant escalations.
The Prime Minister thanked the Secretary of State for his visit to Ottawa, and he looked forward to welcoming the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, to Canada in the near future.
Associated Links
- Canada-United States relations
- Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership
- Canada and the Circumpolar Regions
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
October 26, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, who is visiting Canada for the first High Level Dialogue between Canada and the African Union Commission.
The Prime Minister highlighted the historic nature of this event as an important step in the development of a structured partnership between Canada and the African Union Commission, and as a sign of the commitment of Canada and the African Union to engage further and work closely together to address the global challenges of our time.
The two leaders discussed shared priorities on the agenda for the Dialogue, which is co‑organized by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, and Chairperson Faki, and is being held in Ottawa on October 27 and 28. Among those priorities are democracy, gender equality, economic growth, trade and investment, the fight against climate change, and peace and security.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s support for the economic recovery efforts of African countries in the post-pandemic context, including for the economic empowerment of women, agricultural transformation, financial inclusion, and access to market value chains. He also reiterated Canada’s readiness to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Chairperson Faki discussed their commitment to protecting and strengthening democracy and the key role of the African Union Commission in that regard. The Prime Minister emphasized Canada’s commitment to strengthening its partnerships with African countries, institutions, and stakeholders to advance democracy and protect human rights.
The two leaders noted the urgency to act in response to the climate change crisis, which disproportionately impacts African countries. They discussed Canada’s commitment to supporting African states in their climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. A few days ahead of COP27, which will be held in Egypt, the Prime Minister emphasized that Canada recognizes the importance of the issues that will be discussed at the conference, and he reiterated Canada’s commitment to contribute to its success.
Prime Minister Trudeau commended the Commission’s leadership role toward resolving peace and security issues on the African continent and expressed Canada’s determination to continue its partnership with the Commission in seeking and implementing solutions to these issues. Prime Minister Trudeau and Chairperson Faki discussed the situation in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel, and the threat of terrorism and food insecurity across the continent.
The two leaders talked about the consequences of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, which are impacting the entire globe. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored the fact that the contributions made by African nations in multilateral forums such as the United Nations in condemning Russia’s violations of international law are important and very much appreciated. The Prime Minister noted that Canada recognizes the significant and lasting impact of the crisis on African countries and that he remains determined to work with Africans to meet those challenges.
In closing, Prime Minister Trudeau and Chairperson Faki indicated they are very confident that the first High Level Dialogue being held in Ottawa this week will yield productive discussions to advance the common interests of Canada and the African Union and lay the foundation for a strong partnership that will benefit Canadians and Africans in the years to come.
