The Canadian government is taking major trade action against Russia, is sending Ukraine more lethal aid, and will be opening new immigration streams for Ukrainians.
For Ukrainians fleeing from the Russian-launched war, Canada is opening up two new immigration streams.
One will allow an unlimited number of Ukrainians to come to this country on a temporary basis with expedited emergency visas, and the other is a new family reunification pathway for those looking to stay permanently in Canada.
“Canada is ready to welcome Ukrainians fleeing Vladimir Putin’s war, and there is no limit to xjmtzywthe number of applications that we are going to be willing to accept,” said Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser on Thursday.
Canada is also revoking Russia and Belarus’ “most-favoured nation status” as trading partners, meaning they will be subjected to a 35 per cent tariff on their exports to Canada.
Canada is the first country to take this step, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Thursday, adding that the only other nation subject to these measures with Canada is North Korea.
“We are working closely with our partners and allies to encourage them to take the same step,” Freeland said.
Referencing the latest round of sanctions levied on 10 Russian executives, Freeland said that the total number of people and entities sanctioned by Canada since Russia’s occupation of Crimea in 2014, has now risen to more than 1,000.
Defence Minister Anita Anand also announced Thursday that adding to their cadre of lethal aid shipments to Ukraine, the Canadian Armed Forces will be sending from their stockpile up to 4,500 rocket launchers, and up to 7,500 hand grenades.
“These weapons… will be transported to the region as quickly and safely as possible,” Anand said.
Canada is also sending Ukraine $1 million to go towards the purchase of high-resolution modern satellite imagery.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland participates in a media availability to discuss Canadian sanctions on Russia, as Russia continues to invade Ukraine, in Ottawa, on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
