EESC:Agriculture | Rural Development | Environment - Newsletter of the NAT Section

 

March 2023 ■ www.eesc.europa.eu/nat

The NAT section of the EESC is currently working on a number of opinions.     Find out more about our: ongoing work   |   upcoming work

EDITORIAL

Circular economy can make the EU economy more resilient to external shocks The European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) was set up in 2017 based on a recommendation in the NAT opinion on the Circular Economy Package and is a joint initiative of the EESC and the European Commission. It aims to be a source of information and a forum for discussion. Over the years the Platform has grown and this week's European Circular Economy Conference has demonstrated once again both how successful it is and the importance of fostering the transition to a circular economy. The Annual Activity Report included in this edition of the newsletter shows that there are currently over 761 good practices featured on its website, which has been visited nearly half a million times since it was set up. Read more

MEET OUR MEMBERS

Meet our members | Cillian LOHAN: We are the voice of our many and varied organisations and networks The NAT section feels like my home in the Committee. There I worked on opinions that led to the establishment of the Youth Climate and Sustainability Round Tables, as well as the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. The EU can seem like a bureaucratic echo chamber lacking real voices and real-life perspectives but we can organise our section work to be inclusive and to give space to voices, such as those of youth, that usually do not have the resources or connections to reach the decision-makers in Brussels. Read more

On 9 February 2023 the EESC hosted a public hearing on the right to a healthy environment in the EU in the context of the war in Ukraine. The event gathered international institutions, environmental law experts and European and Ukrainian civil society stakeholders and looked into immediate EU responses to the environmental damages caused by the war, analysed EU legislation and collected experts' view on the protection and improvement of a healthy environment.  A video recording is available on our website. Read more

OUR FEATURED NEWS

Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference 2023 On 27 and 28 February 2023, the EESC and the European Commission co-hosted the 6th European Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference, welcoming altogether some 1,000 circular economy practitioners and specialists to debate new regulations and policies, showcase best practices of EU-funded projects and schemes, explore innovations and look for partners willing to launch on joint projects. Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, who also took part in the event, stressed that Europe must transition to a circular economy and power it with renewable energy to remain sovereign and competitive. Read more

European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform - Annual Activity Report The European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform's 2022 Annual Activity Report is now out. It describes what has been achieved over the last year and what the Platform has been focusing on. Find out which EU Circular Talks were organised, which issues the Leadership Groups were exploring and which international events the Platform took part in. The report also provides figures on website content and the Platform's social media accounts. Read more

EESC online event | Time for an EU Blue Deal On 27 February 2023, the EESC hosted a high-level hearing on water policies and challenges aiming to set the scene for its cross-cutting work on water in 2023. The event focused on the most pressing water-related challenges now and in the years to come, and on the state of play regarding existing policies and actions. The outcome of the hearing will now feed into a package of own-initiative opinions which aim to examine the economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical aspects of water. A video recording of the event is available online. Read more

EESC online event | Ecological overshoot  On 16 February 2023 the EESC hosted a public event to assess the extent of the EU's current ecological overshoot. The event looked into proposals from organised civil society to push back against resource depletion and presented good practices and initiatives to reduce the EU's impact on the environment. Speakers discussed how the European Green Deal and EU climate change policies can tackle the EU's footprint, the policy measures needed and the main challenges ahead. A video recording and the presentations of the speakers are available on our website. Read more

Pollution: "We cannot be satisfied with the current ecological state of European waters" In an interview with Toute l'Europe, NAT member Arnaud Schwartz talked about his recently adopted opinion on "Integrated water management – revised lists of surface and groundwater pollutants" and stressed the poor condition of surface and ground water in Europe and the importance of setting out a time limit for the phasing out of priority hazardous substances. Once released into the environment, different substances interact with each other so it's important that these cocktails of chemical products, as opposed to a molecule studied on its own in a laboratory, are taken into account to determine limits in the uses and in their presence in the environment. Read more

Timber construction can help reduce CO2 emissions  With the objective of more sustainable and less polluting buildings in mind, a recent hearing organised by the EESC explored the potential of wood construction in reducing CO2 emissions and thus in contributing to the EU's goal of climate neutrality. With the European Green Deal and the use of wood as building material, the EU could create a sustainable and climate-friendly future because increasing the share of renewable resources, and in particular the proportion of wood used in building materials, are key factors in reducing carbon emissions. An exploratory opinion on the topic is currently being drawn up. Read more

Study on Structured youth engagement Deadline for expression of interest: 20 March 2023 at 17:00 CET The EESC is planning to launch a procurement procedure for a study on Structured youth engagement in the aftermath of the European Year of Youth 2022. The goal of the study is to map and draw lessons from good practices of structured youth engagement to help the EU institutions, and in particular the EESC, to develop the necessary and appropriate mechanisms to ensure that the voices of young people are duly heard. The study shall, among others, provide case studies of participation mechanisms, EU policy recommendations and possible actions for future EESC initiatives. Read more

ALSO ON THE AGENDA

European Commission | Using less chemical pesticides: a toolbox of good practices The European Commission published a database presenting an overview of the integrated pest management (IPM) methods currently available. The toolbox, which will be updated with additional examples on a regular basis, is intended to inspire national authorities and farm advisors to develop and implement IPM approaches after adapting them to local/regional farm and agro-climatic conditions. In parallel to this, a study will assess their effectiveness and prospects for their further uptake and investigate key barriers and drivers affecting the reduction of dependency on pesticide use. Read more

European Citizens' Food Waste Panel Accelerating food waste reduction in the EU was the topic of the first of the new generation of citizens’ panel to actively contribute to the EU policy-making process. The panel presented 23 recommendations to speed up food waste reduction to the European Commission, all around three lines of action: strengthening the cooperation in the food value chain, encouraging food business initiatives and supporting the change of consumer behaviour. The recommendations will support the Commission’s work on food waste, including the upcoming legislative proposal to set legally binding EU reduction targets. Read more

FAO Brief | Enabling a legal environment for the prevention and reduction of food loss and waste A legal brief recently published by FAO outlines a set of key regulatory measures that contribute to an enabling environment for the prevention and reduction of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) at all stages of the food supply chain under an agri-food system approach. Regulatory measures to tackle FLW include establishing institutional mechanisms for coordination of action, allocating clear roles and responsibilities among all stakeholders involved and setting binding targets for the reduction of FLW. Read more

Rural pact conference | Sharing Experiences and Learning for the Future  The long-term vision for the EU's rural areas was launched in June 2021. Since then, rural pact mobilisation has started in various parts of the EU, aiming to make rural Europe stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous by 2040. But what are the experiences so far and what can we learn from each other in order to take the next step for a revitalised rural Europe? A conference in Uppsala (Sweden) will share best practices at national and local level and discuss the involvement and participation of youth in the Rural Pact. Read more

UN Food Systems Stocktaking Moment The UN Secretary-General committed to convene a UN Food Systems Stocktaking Moment in June 2023 where, building on the momentum of the 2021 Food Systems Summit, countries will be able to review the commitments to action they had made, share stories of success and maintain bold action to further the resilience of food systems, while boosting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Stocktaking Moment will take place in Rome, 24–26 July 2023, at the premises of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Read more

Circular Cities Declaration Report 2022 The 2022 Circular Cities Declaration Report is the broadest ever assessment of circular economy practices across European cities. The report provides a very broad spectrum of data and shows that considerable progress is being made: half of the 40 cities involved in the programme already have circular economy strategies in place or in development. It also highlights how our urban areas are becoming circular, but also how the transition can be accelerated. Residents, city authorities, national governments and the private sector all have levers they can pull to help us go circular. Read more

Fisheries, aquaculture and marine ecosystems On 21 February, the European Commission presented a package of measures to improve the sustainability and resilience of the EU's fisheries and aquaculture sector. From energy transition to protecting and restoring marine ecosystems, the main objectives of the measures are to promote the use of cleaner energy sources and reduce dependency on fossil fuels as well as reduce the sector's impact on marine ecosystems. The proposals also aim to make the sector an attractive job place for the younger generations. The NAT section will be actively involved in these proposals as part of its work on sustainable fisheries & aquaculture. Read more

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

Have your say! Citizens and businesses can share their views on new EU policies and existing laws. All initatives here.   Today in the spotlight:     Reducing packaging waste – review of rules (expires 13/04)

RECENTLY ADOPTED OPINIONS

At its 576th plenary session, held on 22 and 23 February 2023, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinions in the field of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment:   Revision of EU ambient air quality legislation   Review of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive   Integrated water management - revised lists of surface and groundwater pollutants

UPCOMING EVENTS

7/03/2023 | 10:30-13:00 CET | Partnership event More farms across Europe: a roadmap for the re-territorialisation of European food systems (EESC partnership event with Viacampesina)

9/03/2023 | 11:00-12:30 CET| Thematic debate Rural Pact #1: Renewable energies in rural areas

4/04/2023 | 9:30-17:30 CEST | Workshop How to strengthen EU's leadership on the SDGs

OTHER LINKS AND NEWSLETTERS

European Environment Agency - news  European Commission - DG CLIMA - news European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform - newsletter Eurpean Sustainable Development Network (ESDN) - newsletter European Environment and Sustainable Development Advisory Councils (EEAC) - newsletter  FAO - newsletter  ECOLISE - newsletter Via Campesina - press releases - newsletter Copa Cogeca - press releases The European Network for Rural Development - home - events Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) - latest news  Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) - newsletter International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) - updates Meta - the news channel of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) - news European Parliament - Envi Committee - newsletter EESC - Liaison Group - newsletter

European Economic and Social Committee Rue Belliard 99, 1040 Brussels, Belgium

BARACK OBAMA:The Person Behind Fired Up, Ready to Go

 

Barack Obama <info@email.obama.org> Απεγγραφή	3:35 μ.μ. (πριν από 4 ώρες)
προς εγώ

Hi there,   This is Edith Childs.    I met Edith in 2007, at a small get-together in Greenwood, South Carolina. It was the early days of my campaign for president, and I was still finding my way as a candidate.  I walked into the event in Greenwood after an hour and a half in the car. It was raining that day and there was only 20 people. But as I went around the room to shake people’s hands and thank them for coming, I suddenly heard this voice cry out, “Fired up!” And people shouted back, “Fired up!” Then I heard, “Ready to go!” And everyone shouted, “Ready to go!” I looked to see where the voice had come from, and there was Edith. I later learned that she had been active in the local NAACP and served on the Greenwood County Council. She was known in the community for raising people’s spirits.  When we left the event, I told my staff, “I’m feeling kind of fired up. Are you fired up?”  And they’d say, “Yeah, I’m fired up.” “Are you ready to go?” “Yeah, I’m feeling ready to go.”  We went on to do that chant in front of huge crowds of people across the county. Edith’s story was an example of how one person can change a room, and the ripple effect can go much further. And it spoke to a core belief of mine that leadership or inspiration can come from anywhere – and anyone.  Edith recently announced she was stepping down after 24 years on the Greenwood County Council. We reconnected so I could congratulate her on her years of service, and hear some of her advice for the next generation of leaders: Check out our reunion. Congratulations, Edith, and best of luck with your next chapter.  —Barack    Donate to empower rising leaders bringing hope to their communities. DONATE

Δήλωση του Πρωθυπουργού Κυριάκου Μητσοτάκη

1 Μαρτίου 2023

Μόλις επέστρεψα από τον τόπο μιας τραγωδίας που θα μείνει για πάντα χαραγμένη στη συλλογική μας μνήμη. Δεκάδες συμπολίτες μας, οι πιο πολλοί νέα παιδιά, έχασαν εκεί τη ζωή τους, σε ένα φρικτό σιδηροδρομικό δυστύχημα χωρίς προηγούμενο στην πατρίδα μας.

Ευχαριστώ από καρδιάς τις γυναίκες και τους άνδρες του κρατικού μηχανισμού που κινητοποιήθηκαν από την πρώτη στιγμή. Πυροσβέστες και διασώστες, στελέχη του ΕΚΑΒ, της Αστυνομίας, της Αυτοδιοίκησης, όπως και τους γιατρούς και υγειονομικούς και τους ψυχολόγους στα νοσοκομεία μας. Έκαναν και κάνουν το καλύτερο δυνατό σε εξαιρετικά αντίξοες συνθήκες.

Συνάντησα συγγενείς των θυμάτων και των αγνοουμένων στο νοσοκομείο της Λάρισας. Μέσα στον ανείπωτο πόνο τους, με περίσσευμα αξιοπρέπειας, με ρώτησαν «γιατί». Και μου είπαν «ποτέ ξανά». Τους οφείλουμε μία ειλικρινή απάντηση.

Ο Υπουργός Υποδομών και Μεταφορών, Κώστας Καραμανλής, αναλαμβάνοντας την αντικειμενική πολιτική ευθύνη, υπέβαλε αμέσως την παραίτησή του. Το ίδιο και οι επικεφαλής του ΟΣΕ και της ΕΡΓΟΣΕ. Η στάση του τον τιμά, καθώς όλα δείχνουν πως το δράμα οφείλεται, δυστυχώς, κυρίως σε τραγικό ανθρώπινο λάθος.

Μεταβατικός Υπουργός, μέχρι τις εθνικές εκλογές, ορίζεται ο Υπουργός Επικρατείας, Γιώργος Γεραπετρίτης, από τον οποίο ήδη ζήτησα να προχωρήσει γρήγορα στη σύσταση ανεξάρτητης και υπερκομματικής Επιτροπής Εμπειρογνωμόνων, που θα εξετάσει πλήρως τα αίτια του δυστυχήματος. Αλλά θα εξετάσει και τις διαχρονικές καθυστερήσεις στην υλοποίηση των σιδηροδρομικών έργων.

Ταυτόχρονα, η Δικαιοσύνη θα κάνει τη δική της δουλειά. Οι ευθύνες θα αποδοθούν. Ενώ η πολιτεία θα σταθεί δίπλα στις οικογένειες των θυμάτων. Θα πενθήσουμε τα παιδιά μας, τα αδέρφια μας, τους φίλους μας. Θα μείνουμε ενωμένοι και σε αυτή την τραγωδία. Και, μετά, θα σκύψουμε το κεφάλι και θα σφίξουμε τα δόντια. Θα δουλέψουμε ώστε αυτό το «ποτέ ξανά» που άκουσα στη Λάρισα να μην μείνει λόγος κενός.

Σας το υπόσχομαι.

APEC latest news

OUT NOW: Outcomes and Outlook 2022/2023

APEC Posts Lower Economic Growth, Weaker Trade Activity

Issued by the APEC Policy Support Unit

Palm Springs, The United States, 28 February 2023

The Asia-Pacific’s economy grew 2.6 percent in 2022, a decline from 6.1 percent growth in 2021, according to a new report published by the APEC Policy Support Unit.

The region’s economy is expected to pick up in the short term with gross domestic product (GDP) projected to expand by 3.1 percent this year.

“The combination of an enduring pandemic, high inflation coupled with rising interest rates and debts, as well as the ongoing geopolitical issues resulted in a significant slowdown in the global economy during 2022,” explained Carlos Kuriyama, the newly appointed director for the APEC Policy Support Unit.

“Both consumers and investors were cautious last year due to uncertainties and the gloomy economic outlook,” Kuriyama continued. “As a result, demand and investment activities progressed slowly.”

Inflation in APEC reached 5.8 percent in 2022. This is the highest inflation rate since the financial crisis in 2008, when it peaked at 6.6 percent. The report projects APEC’s inflation to taper down to 3.9 percent this year, declining further to 2.7 percent in 2024.

“The sustained and broad-based increase in prices promoted an aggressive and synchronized response from monetary authorities across the world,” said Rhea C. Hernando, a senior researcher with the Policy Support Unit. “In APEC, we are seeing the majority of central banks increase interest rates to dampen price pressures.”

Rising uncertainties also weakened merchandise trade in APEC during the first nine months of 2022. Growth in the volume of APEC’s merchandise exports was flat, while merchandise imports grew by 4.3 percent compared to the same period last year, when these expanded by 14.4 percent and 16.1 percent respectively. Meanwhile the value of merchandise trade’s exports and imports grew by 14.5 percent, showing more resilience due to relatively high energy prices in 2022, driven in turn by supply shocks.

“We expect a modest growth of trade volumes in APEC this year, following the slowdown in global demand” Kuriyama added.

In contrast, commercial services trade performed better in 2022, with exports and imports growing by 13 percent and 15.6 percent respectively in the second quarter of last year. The strong expansion in trade in this sector was propelled by travel services, which increased by 60 percent as economies progressively reopened borders and relaxed COVID-19 restrictions.

Officials from the 21 APEC member economies are convening in Palm Springs, California, to kick off the first technical meeting cluster of APEC 2023. The United States is hosting APEC this year and will drive the forum’s agenda under the theme “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All.”

“Taking advantage of the upcoming meetings in Palm Springs, member economies should prioritize efforts to coordinate clear and consistent policies,” Kuriyama said. “Coordinated macroeconomic policies play an important role in addressing the rising cost of living”.

“In addition, keeping trade free, fair and open, and boosting trade facilitation could reduce the pressure on food and energy prices considerably, mitigating the adverse impact on food security and poverty levels” he continued.

To read more about the revamped APEC Regional Trends Analysis, visit this page.

 For further details, please contact:

Masyitha Baziad +65 9751 2146 at mb@apec.org
Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 at mc@apec.org

Αυξάνεται ο πληθυσμός του τσακαλιού σε ολόκληρη την Ελλάδα

 https://dasarxeio.com/2023/03/01/123064/

Ερευνα για την αύξηση του είδους στην περιοχή της Κερκίνης



Σημαντική αύξηση έχει σημειώσει ο αριθμός του τσακαλιού σε ολόκληρη την Ελλάδα, ενώ ειδικά στην περιοχή της Κερκίνης, το χαρακτηριστικό ουρλιαχτό του ακούγεται ξανά ύστερα από 10 χρόνια! «Παρατηρούμε έκρηξη του πληθυσμού του τσακαλιού, τα τελευταία 15-20 χρόνια, με την κατανομή του να καλύπτει ένα πολύ μεγάλο μέρος της χώρας. Το συναντάμε σε σχεδόν όλους του οικότοπους που υπάρχουν στην Ελλάδα, από το ύψος της θάλασσας μέχρι και τα 1700 μέτρα υψόμετρο. Οι λόγοι αυτής της αύξησης δεν έχουν εξεταστεί επαρκώς και γίνεται προσπάθεια, τα τελευταία χρόνια, να δοθεί μια εξήγηση», αναφέρει στο ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ ο ζωολόγος – οικολόγος, σύμβουλος Διαχείρισης Φυσικού Περιβάλλοντος και υποψήφιος Διδάκτορας του Αριστοτέλειου Πανεπιστήμιου Θεσσαλονίκης Θεόδωρος Κομηνός......

https://dasarxeio.com/2023/03/01/123064/

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΟΥ ΜΗΤΣΟΤΑΚΗ,ΠΡΩΘΥΠΟΥΡΓΟΥ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ πρόσφατη δραστηριότητα

Ενημερωτικό σημείωμα για τη συμμετοχή του Πρωθυπουργού Κυριάκου Μητσοτάκη σε συζήτηση στο πλαίσιο του Συνεδρίου «ygeiamou 2023 – Σύγχρ...28 Φεβρουαρίου 2023


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Ο Πρωθυπουργός Κυριάκος Μητσοτάκης επισκέφθηκε το πρωί την 110 Πτέρυγα Μάχης (ΠΜ) στην Αεροπορική Βάση Λάρισας, πρώτο σταθμό της επίσκεψης που πραγματοποιεί σήμερα στη Λάρισα. Ο Πρωθυπουργός ενημερώθηκε για τις δυνατότητες της αεροπορική...

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau latest

 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness

February 27, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario

Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness.

The prime ministers discussed the ongoing crisis in Haiti, including the important role of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and emphasized the need for continued support of a Haitian-led solution to the crisis it is facing.

The leaders also discussed the significance of the CARICOM mission to Haiti led by Prime Minister Holness scheduled to take place today. The leaders exchanged on the importance of engaging with a wide range of Haitian stakeholders as a means of better understanding the needs of the Haitian people and how best to provide support.

Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed CARICOM’s role in helping to facilitate an inclusive political dialogue and underscored the importance of increasing the capabilities of the Haitian National Police to bring stability to the country.

The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.

Associated Links

• Canada-Jamaica relations
• Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean
• Prime Minister strengthens ties with the Caribbean, announces new support for the Haitian people
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness
• Forty-Fourth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM

Statement by the Prime Minister on Ukraine’s Day of Resistance to the Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol

February 26, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Ukraine’s Day of Resistance to the Occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol:

“Today, we mark Ukraine’s Day of Resistance and reaffirm our commitment to always stand with the Ukrainian people in their fight for a free and independent Ukraine.

“Nine years ago, on February 26, 2014, an estimated 10,000 Ukrainians bravely rallied outside the Crimean Parliament building in Simferopol to protest Russia’s attempt to illegally annex Crimea from Ukraine. It was the largest gathering of its kind in Ukrainian history.

“Now, one year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we are yet again reminded of the bravery of people of Ukraine, who continue to make immense sacrifices in service of their country. We stand in solidarity with the missing and the displaced, and with the families of those who lost their lives. Every day, Ukrainians continue to show their courage and resilience as they defend themselves and their country from Russia’s brutal attacks on people, including its repeated human rights violations, and targeting of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.

“The international community’s support is critical to Ukraine’s success. Last year alone, Canada committed over $5 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including well over $1 billion in military aid. We have imposed severe sanctions on key Russian individuals and entities and, together with our allies, we are supporting Ukrainian troops with training through Operation UNIFIER. And we are providing Ukraine with eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks and donating a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) – an air defence system that protects against drone, missile, and aircraft attack.

“On Ukraine’s Day of Resistance, Canada reaffirms its commitment to Ukrainians and the principles they’re fighting for – democracy, justice, and freedom. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to support Ukraine, for as long as it takes.

“As Ukrainians continue to fight for the land that is rightfully theirs, today we reiterate that Crimea is, and will always be, Ukraine.”

Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of Gordon Pinsent

February 26, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of Gordon Pinsent:

“It was with profound sadness that I learned yesterday about the passing of Canadian icon Gordon Pinsent – one of the country’s most prolific and beloved actors.

“Born in Grand Falls, N.L., Mr. Pinsent had a storied career, spanning over six decades, as an actor, writer, director and singer. He will be fondly remembered for his many roles in Canadian shows and films, including Away From Her, The Rowdyman, The Forest Rangers, The Red Green Show, Due South, The Grand Seduction, Street Legal, Republic of Doyle, and as the voice of Babar the Elephant.

“He won every major acting prize in the country, including two ACTRA awards, three Genie awards, five Gemini awards, and a Dora Mavor Moore award. Over the course of his career, Mr. Pinsent was named a Companion of the Order of Canada and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He also received the Governor General's Performing Arts Award, the Earle Grey Award for lifetime achievement in television, and was honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2007.

“Mr. Pinsent loved his province and his country deeply. He entertained millions around the world and inspired us to say ‘yes’ to doing the things we love and to pursuing our dreams. On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, his friends, and his many fans.”

Supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes

February 24, 2023
Toronto, Ontario

One year ago today, Putin launched a brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the face of the immense human suffering, appalling human rights violations, and cruelty inflicted upon the people of an independent and sovereign nation, Ukraine still stands strong. The Ukrainian people have bravely stood up to the Russian regime, in defence of their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence – and our shared values of democracy and freedom. The Government of Canada will stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Today, the Prime Minister announced new measures to continue supporting the people of Ukraine, including with new military equipment and additional sanctions.

Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will provide four additional Leopard 2 main battle tanks to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine in defence of their country, growing our contribution to eight tanks in total. Canada will also provide an armoured recovery vehicle and over 5,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition. The four previously announced Leopard 2 main battle tanks have been delivered to Poland and a Canadian Armed Forces team of trainers is currently training Ukrainian tank crews.

To increase pressure on Putin’s regime, the Prime Minister announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions on individuals and entities complicit in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. These new measures, which build on the sanctions we have already implemented the past year, include:

• Sanctioning 122 individuals and 13 entities, including members of the lower house of Russia’s parliament who have voted in favour of legislation related to the invasion and attempted annexation of four regions of Ukraine. Other sanctioned individuals include Russian Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, and others in the Office of the President of Russia and the Russian military, as well as family members of previously sanctioned individuals;
• Sanctioning seven Russian individuals and 50 defence entities involved in Russia’s defence industry, including the production of tanks, missiles, and weapons systems that Russia is using in Ukraine; and
• Prohibiting the export to Russia of certain chemical elements for use in electronics, and banning the import, purchase, or acquisition of Russian arms, ammunition, and other weapons, wherever situated or processed, from Russia or from any person in Russia.

In addition, Canada is further combatting Russian and Belarusian deception by tackling their unfair trade practices. We are calling out those countries for intervening to artificially lower the price of their goods. This measure ensures that the Canada Border Services Agency has the tools it needs to protect Canadian producers from competing against unfair foreign government price distortions on imports, which have become increasingly evident since the invasion of Ukraine.

Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, announced more than $32 million in support of security and stabilization in the country. This includes contributions to demining and accountability efforts, as well as countering chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats that jeopardize the safety of the entire region.

As we mark one year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we pay tribute to the lives tragically lost to the brutality of Russia’s senseless war, and we honour the Ukrainians who continue to fight. We will always stand united and steadfast in solidarity with Ukraine and in the fight to protect their country, and freedom and democracy everywhere.

Quotes

“Putin thought his invasion would be a quick victory, but he was mistaken. Ukrainians have stood strong over the last 365 days and counting, and as Russia continues its brutal war against Ukraine, Canada and Canadians will stand by the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.”

The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“In seeking to erase Ukraine from the map and its story from history, Putin is trying to show that tyranny can defeat democracy. Instead, the brave people of Ukraine, in their heroic resistance, are ensuring that Ukraine will survive, and democracy will prevail. Canada will stand by Ukraine’s side for as long as it takes, and we will continue to do everything we can to hold Putin and his regime accountable for their illegal and barbaric war.”

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

“For one year, President Putin and his war machine have been trying to squash Ukrainian resolve through unrelenting attacks on their homeland. But Ukrainians continue to stand against tyranny and fight for what is rightfully theirs. Their spirit is unbreakable, and so is our support for them. Canada stands with Ukraine, and we will continue to do so for as long as it takes.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Canada is continuing to provide Ukraine with the comprehensive military aid it needs to defend its territory and people against ongoing Russian aggression. Canada has trained 35,000 Ukrainian personnel through Operation UNIFIER, we have donated over $1 billion in military aid, and our Canadian Armed Forces personnel have transported over seven million pounds of Ukraine-bound donations. Ukraine will win and Canada will be there until the end.”

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

Quick Facts

• Since Russia’s illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 2,400 individuals and entities. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada’s allies and partners.
• In 2022, Canada committed over $5 billion in direct financial, military, humanitarian, and immigration assistance to Ukraine. This includes $2.5 billion in direct economic support, all of which has been provided, including:
  • $320 million in humanitarian assistance for emergency health services, protection, support to displaced populations and essential life-saving services such as shelter, water and sanitation, and food.
  • $1.95 billion in loan resources through the Administered Account for Ukraine at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Canada championed ($500 million of which represents equivalent proceeds from the Ukraine Sovereignty Bond);
  • $500 million in direct bilateral loans; and
  • A €36.5 million (approximately $50 million) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development loan guarantee to facilitate support to Ukraine’s Naftogaz.
• As part of our overall contribution, Canada has also committed $115 million to the World Bank Group’s Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF) to help Ukraine repair its energy infrastructure. Canada has also temporarily removed trade tariffs on Ukrainian imports.
• Canadian Armed Forces members are supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the United Kingdom and Poland under Operation UNIFIER, providing training on a range of military skills. Between 2015 and 2023, Canada trained more than 35,000 members of Ukraine’s security forces as part of Operation UNIFIER.
• The Canadian Armed Forces have been assisting with the delivery of military aid for Ukraine from Canada and on behalf of our allies and partners, having transported over seven million pounds of military donations since March 2022.
• Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $1 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. This includes four Leopard 2 main battle tanks, over 200 armoured personnel carriers, a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) with associated munitions, 39 armoured combat support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, winter clothing, and more.
• Canada is helping Ukrainian families find a safe, temporary home in Canada, and has put in place support services 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 program is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians and their family members to come to Canada. As of February 16, 2023, close to 560,000 applications have been approved. 
• The government has introduced legislative changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to ensure foreign nationals subject to sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act are inadmissible to Canada, banning sanctioned Russians from entering the country. These changes will allow the Canada Border Services Agency to deny entry to, and remove, individuals subjected to sanctions, and will allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada officials to deny visas.

Associated Links

• Sanctions – Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Canadian Sanctions Related to Russia
• Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Canadian donations and military support to Ukraine
• Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
• G7 Leaders’ Statement
• Canada to increase support for security and stabilization efforts in Ukraine
• Prime Minister announces news measures to support Ukraine
• Minister Joly travels to Ukraine to discuss ongoing and unwavering Canadian support for Ukraine