Canada’s Response to the Situation in Ukraine
Canada is among the strongest international supporters of Ukraine’s efforts to restore stability and implement democratic and economic reforms. Together with our allies and partners, we continue to call on Russia to follow through on its Geneva commitments to de-escalate the crisis and call off its provocateurs. Ukraine’s sovereign territory must be respected and the Ukrainian people must be free to determine their own future.
In the face of ongoing Russian military aggression and illegal occupation, Canada has taken a number of steps to support the Ukrainian people as they work to restore political and economic stability, including imposing sanctions against those responsible for the ongoing crisis. Canada has also taken steps to enhance the readiness of NATO through a number of reassurance measures to reinforce the Alliance’s collective defense.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Ukraine during this important period of transition. Until Russia clearly demonstrates its respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Canada will continue to work with its allies and like-minded countries to apply pressure that will further isolate Russia economically and politically.
Timeline of Canada’s Action on The Ukraine Crisis
June 29, 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced additional economic sanctions and travel bans against three Russian individuals, and economic sanctions against 14 Russian entities, as well as an import/export ban covering illegally-occupied Crimea.
June 27, 2015
Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defense, visited Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) troops in Ukraine and announced additional democracy and institution-building support for Ukraine. The CAF personnel are observing Ukrainian forces receiving training in order to further refine the training package that Canadians will provide to the Ukrainian military.
June 26, 2015
Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defense, met with several high ranking Ukrainian government officials in Kyiv, on the first day of a two-day visit to the country. During these meetings, the Minister reiterated Canada’s steadfast resolve to stand by Ukraine in the face of the Putin regime’s aggression and reinforced its support for Ukrainian economic and democratic reforms.
June 10, 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited the crew of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton, which is currently assigned to a NATO Standing Naval Maritime Group patrolling the Baltic Sea as part of NATO assurance measures to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
June 6, 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper concluded his third successful visit to Ukraine since March 2014. During the visit, the Prime Minister met with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, and reaffirmed that Canada would continue to stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression and support Ukraine’s economic and democratic reforms. He also announced new projects to advance democracy and help the country’s security sector.
June 5, 2015
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton joined Exercise BALTOPS 2015 in the Baltic Sea as part of its deployment under Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s response to the Putin regime’s military aggression toward Ukraine and threatening posture in Eastern Europe.
June 4, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement condemning renewed attacks by Putin-backed separatists against several Ukrainian positions in eastern Ukraine.
June 3, 2015
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Winnipeg prepared to deploy overseas to join NATO forces in the Mediterranean Sea, as part of Operation Reassurance, Canada’s measures to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe in light of the Putin regime’s aggression against Ukraine.
May 25, 2014
On the eve of the presidential election in Ukraine, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird congratulated the citizens of Ukraine on peacefully exercising their right to vote, even though the democracy of their country was put to the test.
May 20, 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. The leaders discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine and the ongoing need to confront Russia’s continuing aggression
May 14, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, concluded a successful meeting with his NATO counterparts in Antalya, Turkey, where he discussed major international issues affecting global peace and security.
May 12, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, concluded a successful visit to Ukraine, where he met with his counterpart, Pavlo Klimkin, as well as President Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. During these meetings, Minister Nicholson reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to Ukraine, especially in the face of Russian aggression, and its support for Ukraine’s economic and democratic reforms.
May 12, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited a Ukrainian military hospital. During his visit, Minister Nicholson met with Ukrainian soldiers who were injured in eastern Ukraine, as well as with Canadian and Ukrainian medical staff.
May 12, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine’s Prime Minister. The ministers focused their discussion on the Government of Ukraine’s progress in implementing its economic and governance reform agenda.
May 11, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Pavlo Klimkin, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister. During this meeting, their third in less than a month, Minister Nicholson reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and to maintaining pressure on Russia to end its aggression. The ministers discussed the difficult security situation in the country’s east, including near Mariupol, and in particular the implementation of the Minsk agreements. The ministers deplored the fact that Russia’s aggression continues to cause more deaths and more injuries every day.
May 11, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine’s President, to discuss Russia’s aggressive militarism and expansionism, which continues to be a threat to regional stability, freedom, democracy and the rule of law.May 10, 2015
May 10, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that he would travel to Ukraine on May 11 and 12, 2015, and to Turkey for the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting on May 13 and 14.
May 9, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced new support to enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in their fight to defend their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and highlighted the delivery of non-lethal military equipment to Ukrainian soldiers.
May 4, 2015
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton joined Exercise DYNAMIC MONGOOSE in the North Sea as part of its deployment under Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s response to Russia’s military aggression toward Ukraine.
April 30, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Pavlo Klimkin. Minister Nicholson announced funding for seven projects valued at $14 million. These projects will strengthen human rights, improve access to justice and give support to civil society in Ukraine.
April 28, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the transfer of a new shipment of non-lethal equipment to Ukraine.
April 28, 2015
Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, on behalf of Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced the Canadian contribution to support municipal democracy and economic development in Ukraine.
April 27, 2015
Chris Alexander, Minister for Citizenship and Immigration, on behalf of Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced that humanitarian assistance funding of $15 million will be provided to respond to the immediate needs of crisis-affected Ukrainians.
April 26, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement regarding Russia’s ongoing violations of Minsk Agreements.
April 17, 2015
Member of Parliament Ted Opitz meets with Canadian-Ukrainian Community Members to highlight non-lethal equipment shipment to Ukraine.
April 16, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Pavlo Klimkin, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, at the Global Conference on Cyberspace.
April 14, 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that the Government of Canada will provide significant additional military resources to help train and build the capacity of Ukrainian forces personnel
April 1, 2015
Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, issued a news release highlighting the Royal Canadian Regiment 3rd Battalion’s participation in Exercise MOUNTAIN WARRIOR in Poland, a multinational training opportunity demonstrating Canada’s commitment to collective defence and its condemnation of the Putin regime’s aggression against Ukraine.
March 27, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a news release highlighting the official signing of the disbursement of Canada’s second $200 million low-interest loan to Ukraine to help stabilize the country’s economy and support programming consistent with Canadian development priorities.
March 27, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced an additional contribution of $2 million as well as an extension of the term of as many as 25 Canadian monitors to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.
March 26, 2015
International Trade Minister Ed Fast and Oleksiy Pavlenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, meet to discuss opportunities to strengthen Canada-Ukraine trade relations.
March 22, 2015
Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, announced that approximately 45 members of the Canadian Armed Forces will take part in tactical live-fire exercises from March 22 to 31, 2015, as part of Exercise SUMMER SHIELD in Latvia.
March 21, 2015
Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, issued a news release detailing Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Fredericton return to the Mediterranean Sea to resume its role as part of NATO maritime operations following its participation in joint NATO training exercises in the Black Sea as part of NATO Assurance Measures.
March 18, 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement marking the so-called Crimean “referendum” held one year ago and the subsequent illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia.
March 18, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced three initiatives to support Ukraine’s efforts in building a more peaceful, democratic and prosperous future for its people.
March 18, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement regarding the delivery of non-lethal equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces on the first anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea.
March 16, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the so-called ‘referendum’ held in Crimea.
March 5, 2015
Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, issued a news release highlighting that Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Fredericton arrived in the Black Sea to participate in joint NATO training exercises to enhance maritime security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
March 2, 2015
Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, and Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence, issued a news release announcing the departure of 125 Canadian Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, from the Canadian Forces Base Trenton to Eastern Europe as part of military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces to support NATO assurances measures in Eastern and Central Europe.
March 2, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a news release announcing the conclusion of his visit to France. During his visit, he met with Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, where they discussed the crisis in Ukraine and agreed on the importance of keeping pressure on Russia.
February 27, 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement marking an important anniversary in Ukraine’s struggle for peace, democracy and freedom: a year earlier, following months of protests, the Ukrainian people welcomed a new government after courageously shedding the corrupt Yanukovych regime.
February 25, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement calling on Russia to immediately end the detention of Nadiya Savchenko, who is on a hunger strike protesting her unlawful detention by the Russian authorities.
February 23, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met in Ottawa with Andriy Parubiy, First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) of Ukraine and former Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council.
February 20, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement condemning the ongoing violations of the ceasefire in Eastern Ukraine by Russian-backed separatists and calling for them to proceed with the full implementation of their Minsk commitments.
February 17, 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced additional economic sanctions and travel bans against 37 Russian and Ukrainian individuals, and economic sanctions against 17 Russian and Ukrainian entities.
February 13, 2015
Three members of the Canadian Armed Forces led a six-person international team during an Arms Control Verification mission in Ukraine from February 3 to 13, 2015.
February 9, 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, who was visiting Ottawa. During their meeting they discussed the international community’s response to the crisis in Ukraine.
February 2, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, issued a news release announcing that Canada will join the US – Ukraine Joint Commission on Defence Reform and Bilateral Cooperation in order to better coordinate Canada’s ongoing provision of assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
January 28, 2015
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced additional support in the form of a second $200-million low-interest loan to help Ukraine’s newly elected government restore macroeconomic stability, promote sustainable growth and support programming consistent with Canadian development priorities.
January 26, 2015
As part of his second trade mission to Ukraine, Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, on behalf of Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced four initiatives totaling over $52 million to support economic and governance reform and promote sustainable economic growth for Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses in the dairy and grain sectors.
January 26, 2015
Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, announced renewed negotiations toward a Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement to promote growth and prosperity in Ukraine. Canada and Ukraine are actively engaged in negotiations toward concluding a free trade agreement as soon as possible. Preparatory work is currently underway by our officials for a full round of face-to-face negotiations in Kyiv in the near future.
January 25, 2015
Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, announced a trade and development mission to Ukraine from January 25 to 26, 2015.
January 24, 2015
John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement expressing outrage at indiscriminate rocket attacks on Mariupol.
January 22, 2015
John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement demanding that Russia commit to ceasefire obligations and condemning violence in eastern Ukraine.
January 13, 2015
John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement after 10 people were killed and 13 injured when a passenger bus was shelled at a government army checkpoint in Buhas, Ukraine.
January 6, 2015
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, issued a news release announcing that the Royal Canadian Navy frigate, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Fredericton, arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, to join the Standing NATO Maritime Forces as part of Operation REASSURANCE.
December 19, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced additional economic sanctions and travel bans against 20 Russian and Ukrainian individuals, and new export restrictions on technologies used in Russia’s oil exploration and extractive sector.
December 19, 2014
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, issued a news release announcing Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Fredericton was preparing to deploy overseas to join the Standing NATO Maritime Forces in the Mediterranean Sea as part of NATO measures to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe in light of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
December 8, 2014
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, issued a news release announcing that Canada had signed a Declaration of Intent with Ukraine for joint military training and capacity building in response to Russia’s aggression in that country.
December 4, 2014
John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a news release at the conclusion of the first part of a visit to Europe and the Middle East, during which he attended the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Foreign Ministerial Council in Basel, Switzerland. The Ukraine crisis was front and centre at the OSCE ministerial council and Minister Baird reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to, and support for, Ukraine and recognized the role that the OSCE needs to play.
December 2, 2014
Prime Minister Harper issued a statement welcoming the formation of a new government in Ukraine.
November 26, 2014
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, issued a news release announcing that Canada will provide further non-lethal military equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The donated military gear will include equipment such as tactical communications systems, ordnance-disposal equipment, tactical medical kits and night-vision goggles. National Defence will deliver winterized kits to expand the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
November 21, 2014
John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement on the first anniversary of Maidan protests in Ukraine against the corrupt Yanukovych regime.
November 18, 2014
John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a speech at the NATO Council of Canada Conference, where he addressed Putin’s narrative on Ukraine.
November 16, 2014
On the margins of the G-20 Summit, Prime Minister Stephen Harper met with Herman Van Rompuy, outgoing President of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, the new President of the European Commission, where they asserted the importance of being resolute in the face of the ongoing violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Putin regime.
November 13, 2014
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, issued a news release following the completion of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Toronto’s participation in the Turkish-led Exercise MAVI BALINA. The exercise was part of the Operation REASSURANCE deployment in the Mediterranean Sea in response to the Putin regime’s aggressive military actions against Ukraine.
November 13, 2014
John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement condemning the escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine and reported movement of additional Russian troops and weapons into Ukraine.
November 5, 2014
Minister Baird issued a statement strongly condemning Russia’s continued provocative actions following reports that its troops were moving closer to the border with Ukraine.
October 28, 2014
John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement following a meeting in Ottawa with his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State John Kerry, where they discussed their cooperation on a number of international issues, including the situation in Ukraine.
October 26, 2014
Prime Minister Harper issued a statement to congratulate the people of Ukraine for stepping up, for the second time in 2014, to exercise their fundamental democratic rights during the Parliamentary elections which took place on October 26, 2014.
October 26, 2014
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, issued a news release following the completion of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Toronto’s participation in Exercise NOBLE JUSTIFICATION as part of Operation REASSURANCE deployment in the Mediterranean Sea in response to the Putin regime’s aggressive military actions against Ukraine.
October 24, 2014
Minister Baird issued a statement in advance of the Ukraine Parliamentary elections commending the people of Ukraine for their show of resiliency and determination for a better future as they prepared to head to the polls for a second time this year.
October 13, 2014
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, issued a news release announcing that Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Toronto (HMCS) is joining Exercise NOBLE JUSTIFICATION as part of her Operation REASSURANCE NATO deployment in response to Russia’s aggressive military actions against Ukraine. HMCS Toronto and other Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 warships will conduct Task Force training exercises and force integration activities in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea region from October 13 to 26, 2014.
October 8, 2014
Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, concluded a successful visit to Ukraine where he announced that Canada will fund two projects through its Religious Freedom Fund in Ukraine to foster the development of a political culture in Ukraine that facilitates democratization. This includes $950,000 in Canadian support over three years for Promoting Security for Religious Communities and Others in Ukraine and $240,000 in Canadian support over two years for Promotion of Religious Tolerance and Reconciliation in Ukrainian Civil Society.
September 17, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomed the visit by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to Canada. During the visit, the leaders committed to working towards a bilateral free trade agreement. Prime Minister Harper also announced the following two measures that will promote economic and social development in Ukraine:
- Canada and Ukraine have reached an agreement on the provision of Canada’s $200 million loan to Ukraine to promote economic and financial sector reforms in the country; and,
- $3 million in additional humanitarian assistance is being provided to Ukraine to assist the estimated 3.9 million people living in areas affected by violence, as well as the nearly 200,000 individuals registered as internally displaced throughout Ukraine.
September 16, 2014
John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced further economic sanctions and travel bans against four Russian individuals, and economic sanctions against five Russian entities and one financial institution that bear responsibility for the crisis in Ukraine. He also announced that Canada will be sending more than 300 electoral observers to participate in three different missions monitoring the Ukrainian Parliamentary elections that will be taking place in Ukraine on October 26, 2014.
September 11, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine will make his first official visit to Canada on September 17, 2014. In the release the Prime Minister also indicated that Canada is committed to contributing to free and fair elections in Ukraine and will send short and long-term observers to the October 26, 2014 Ukrainian Parliamentary elections.
September 11, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a news release welcoming the report produced by Canada’s election observer mission on the May 25, 2014 Ukrainian Presidential election. The Prime Minister received the report from Senator Raynell Andreychuk and former Ontario Premier Mike Harris, co-chairs of the team, in Toronto.
September 4, 2014
The Department of National Defence announced that 13 Canadian Army soldiers will participate in Exercise RAPID TRIDENT 14, a multinational exercise at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre in Yavoriv, Ukraine from September 11 to 28, 2014. The Exercise will focus on improving stability and peace support operations in the region.
September 4, 2014
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, announced that HMCS Toronto will work with vessels from several partner nations in the Black Sea as part of Operation REASSURANCE from September 6 to 27, 2014. In the wake of Russia’s aggression in Central and Eastern Europe, these training exercises and maritime situational awareness operations will enhance maritime security in the Black Sea.
September 4, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada will be providing support for two initiatives that will help Ukraine and other NATO allies counter the threat posed by Russia’s military expansion in the region. Support of $1 million will be provided through the NATO Trust Funds to build up Ukrainian command and control and communications and computer capabilities to implement NATO standards throughout the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In addition, the three NATO Centres of Excellence in the region – Cyber Security, Energy Security and Strategic Communications – will each receive $1 million (a total of $3 million) to help deter Russian operations in Eastern Europe.
September 2, 2014
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, announced that approximately 100 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) soldiers are participating in Exercise STEADFAST JAVELIN II in Latvia as part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s commitment to working with our NATO Allies to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
September 1, 2014
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, announced that the Canadian Air Task Force (ATF) officially joined NATO’s Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission following a hand-over ceremony in Siauliai, Lithuania, as Canada’s continues to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe in the face of increasing Russian hostility. While participating in BAP, four CF-188 Hornet aircraft and more than 130 airmen and airwomen from the Royal Canadian Air Force will work with NATO Allies from September to December 2014, in order to preserve the integrity of the airspace of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and react to any intrusions.
August 28, 2014
John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement condemning further Russian incursion into Ukraine and calling on Russia to immediately cease its aggressive acts, respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, withdraw its forces, and end the flow of arms, including anti-aircraft systems across the border.
August 24, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. He took the opportunity to call on the Putin regime to cease all provocative military activity in Ukraine.
August 15, 2014
Parliamentary Secretary Lois Brown announced $3,832,000 in Canadian support over five years to the International Finance Corporation for its Engaging the Private Sector for Small and Medium Farm Business Development project that will help improve the performance of small and medium agricultural enterprises in Ukraine.
August 7, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement announcing that a Canadian CC-130J Hercules will leave on August 7, from Canadian Forces Base Trenton, to deliver important non-kinetic (non-lethal) security assistance to Ukraine which will help the country secure its eastern border against Russian aggression.
August 6, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced additional economic sanctions and travel bans against 19 Russian and Ukrainian individuals, and economic sanctions against 22 Russian and Ukrainian groups and economic entities.
August 5, 2014
Parliamentary Secretary Lois Brown and Member of Parliament Jeff Watson, on behalf of Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced an additional $3.6 million in Canadian support to the ongoing Juvenile Justice Reform project to help establish a more effective and responsive juvenile justice system in Ukraine.
August 1, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement marking the opening of Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival. He took the opportunity to underline the destabilizing impact of the Putin regime’s ongoing military activity in Ukraine.
July 30, 2014
Canada and other G-7 leaders issued a joint statement expressing their grave concern over Russia’s continued actions to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. In addition, they demanded a prompt, full, unimpeded and transparent international investigation into the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and a cease-fire at and around the crash site. They further called for a peaceful settlement of the crisis in Ukraine, a sustainable general cease-fire, and for Russia to end its support to separatist groups and ensure effective border control.
July 30, 2014
Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced $8.1 million in Canadian support over three years for Strengthening Multi-Party Democracy, a new project that will help strengthen democracy and the role of civil society in Ukraine.
July 29, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the intent to impose additional sanctions on Russia.
July 26, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper wrote an opinion-editorial published in The Globe and Mail newspaper titled “Our duty is to stand firm in the face of Russian aggression.”
July 24, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced new economic sanctions and travel bans against Ukrainian individuals, as well as economic sanctions against Ukrainian entities and a broad range of entities related to various Russian sectors.
July 23, 2014
Parliamentary Secretary James Bezan and MP Ted Opitz, on behalf of Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced $3.2 million in Canadian support to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Human Rights Training for Judges project to strengthen the justice system and rule of law in Ukraine.
July 21, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the intent to implement economic sanctions against a broad range of entities related to various Russian sectors.
July 19, 2014
Minister Baird calls for immediate investigation into MH17 disaster and full access to crash site
July 17, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement in response to the downing of a Malaysia Airlines passenger aircraft in eastern Ukraine.
July 11, 2014
Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, on behalf of Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced $19.6 million in Canadian support to train horticultural farmers to improve agricultural practices and have better access to financing and new markets in Ukraine.
July 11, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced further economic sanctions and travel bans against 14 additional individuals who have taken violent action aimed at undermining Ukrainian sovereignty and violating Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
July 9-11, 2014
Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, led a Canadian delegation on a three-day trade and development mission to Ukraine to demonstrate Canada’s continued support for the country. Minister Fast met with Ukrainian Economic Development and Trade Minister Pavlo Sheremeta to discuss ways to advance the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, and announced $100,000 to support Ukraine’s Economic Advisory Council.
June 27, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a news release welcoming the signing of the remaining chapters of the European Union (EU)-Ukraine Association Agreement which provide for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between the EU and Ukraine.
June 21, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced further economic sanctions and travel bans against 11 Russian and Ukrainian individuals plus one additional entity.
June 7, 2014
Prime Minister Harper visited Kiev to attend the swearing-in of Petro Poroshenko as President of Ukraine. Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Harper met with President Poroshenko to congratulate him on his first-round election victory and to offer Canada’s ongoing and full support as the country takes important steps to restore stability and prosperity. This was Prime Minister Harper’s second visit to Ukraine since the outset of the crisis in the country.
June 5, 2014
Prime Minister Harper attended the G-7 Leaders meeting in Brussels, Belgium to discuss, among other issues, the ongoing situation in Ukraine. At the meeting’s conclusion, Leaders issued a joint communiqué through which they reiterated their support for the Ukrainian people and government and welcomed Petro Poroshenko as President of Ukraine. They condemned Russia’s continued violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine— including its illegal annexation of Crimea and ongoing actions to de-stabilise eastern parts of the country— and called on President Putin to recognize the official results of the election.
May 27, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement congratulating Petro Poroshenko on the results of the May 25th presidential elections in Ukraine.
May 25, 2014
On the eve of the presidential election in Ukraine, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird congratulated the citizens of Ukraine on peacefully exercising their right to vote, even though the democracy of their country was put to the test.
May 20, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Senator Raynell Andreychuk and former Ontario Premier Mike Harris would lead the Canadian bilateral election observation mission to Ukraine, joining hundreds of Canadian election observers arriving in Ukraine.
May 18, 2014
Minister Baird issued a statement on 70th anniversary of the deportation of Crimean Tatars whereby he called for the protection of the rights of all communities in the Crimean peninsula, including Crimean Tatars, who continue to speak out courageously in support of a free and democratic Ukraine.
May 14, 2014
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade issued a statement, encouraging Canadian senior business executives to refrain from attending high-profile events in Russia such as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Innoprom and the World Petroleum Congress.
May 12, 2014
Prime Minister Harper announced economic sanctions and travel bans against an additional 12 Ukrainian and Russian individuals.
May 11, 2014
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued a statement saying that Canada fully rejects the so-called referendums staged in parts of eastern Ukraine.
May 4, 2014
Prime Minister Harper announced that Canada will impose additional sanctions against 16 Russian entities.
May 2, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canadian Army soldiers will take part in Exercise ORZEL ALERT in Swidwin, Poland, from May 5 to 9 as part of NATO reassurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe.
April 30, 2014
Prime Minister Harper announced that Canada will commit the HMCS Regina, currently deployed in the Arabian Sea, to NATO Standing Maritime Forces to further demonstrate support for Alliance solidarity.
April 28, 2014
Prime Minister Harper announced economic sanctions against nine additional Russians and two Russian banks. Travel bans were also imposed on the nine individuals.
Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, also announced that the six CF-18 fighter aircraft will leave on April 29 for Romania as part of the Government of Canada’s contributions to NATO measures to reassure Allies in Central and Eastern Europe.
April 28, 2014
Minister Baird wrapped up a successful week-long visit to Central and Eastern Europe where he met with key allies from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Latvia and Estonia to promote a common international response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. While in Poland, the two countries signed the Canada-Poland Statement of Principles for Coordinated Engagement on Ukraine. Baird also announced $9.2 million in support for Polish-led projects that strengthen democratic development in Ukraine.
April 25, 2014
Canada and other G-7 leaders issued a joint statement expressing deep concern at the continued efforts by separatists backed by Russia to destabilize Eastern Ukraine. Leaders also committed to taking further steps to ensure a peaceful and stable environment for the May 25 presidential election.
April 23, 2014
In the lead up to Ukraine’s presidential elections, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced $11 million that will support 500 observers travelling to Ukraine to monitor the upcoming presidential elections.
April 17, 2014
Prime Minister Harper announced that Canada is offering the following capabilities to enhance the readiness of NATO allies: six Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircrafts and up to 20 staff officers to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe to assist NATO planning efforts.
April 12, 2014
Minister Baird announced that Canada is imposing sanctions on two additional individuals and on a Crimean oil and gas company, Chornomornaftogaz.
March 27, 2014
Canada co-sponsored a resolution on Ukraine at the UN General Assembly. The resolution – supported by 100 member-States, with only 11 voting against – reaffirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and underscored the invalidity of the referendum in Crimea.
March 24, 2014
Prime Minister Harper, meeting with other G-7 leaders in The Hague, issued the Hague Declaration. In the Declaration, the leaders announced that they will not attend a planned G-8 Summit in Sochi but will instead convene as a G-7, without Russia, in Brussels in June 2014. They also reaffirmed their “support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence” while condemning “Russia’s illegal attempt to annex Crimea.”
March 22, 2014
Prime Minister Harper concluded a visit to Ukraine where he met with Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. He also announced Canada’s contribution of $775, 000 to a political and security monitoring mission to Ukraine, led by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
March 21, 2014
Prime Minister Harper announced economic sanctions against 14 additional Russian officials and one financial institution, Bank Rossiya. Travel bans were also imposed on these 14 individuals.
March 20, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Senator Raynell Andreychuk and former Ontario Premier Mike Harris will lead the Canadian bilateral election observation mission to Ukraine. They will join the hundreds of Canadian election observers arriving in Ukraine.
March 18, 2014
Prime Minister Harper announced economic sanctions and travel bans against an additional 17 Ukrainian and Russian officials responsible for undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and for facilitating Russian military action against Ukraine.
March 17, 2014
Prime Minister Harper announced further economic sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act and additional travel bans against Ukrainian and Russian officials.
The Prime Minister also met with Vadym Prystaiko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada, to discuss the ongoing situation.
March 16, 2014
Prime Minister Harper issued a statement on the results of the Crimean “referendum”, reiterating that this “referendum” is illegitimate, has no legal effect, and that Canada does not recognize its outcome.
March 13, 2014
Prime Minister Harper announced more than $220 million in support to help Ukraine stabilize its economy and promote economic and social development. The support will be provided in the form of a loan or loan guarantee, conditional on a broader package that includes International Monetary Fund (IMF) support for Ukraine. Additional support will assist the IMF in delivering technical assistance to help Ukraine manage its economic transition and financial sector reforms.
March 12, 2014
G-7 leaders issued a statement calling on the Russian Federation to cease all efforts to change the status of Crimea contrary to Ukrainian law and in violation of international law. They call on the Russian Federation to immediately halt actions supporting a referendum on the territory of Crimea regarding its status, in direct violation of the Constitution of Ukraine.
March 6, 2014
Prime Minister Harper issued a statement saying that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an act of aggression, a clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and of international law. He further added that Canada will not recognize a referendum held in a region currently under illegal military occupation.
March 5, 2014
Prime Minister Harper announced that, at the request of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Canada will freeze the assets of members of the Yanukovych regime. As a result, 18 people, including members of the former Yanukovych regime, members of their families, and their close associates, were listed in regulations under the Freezing Assets of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act.
Canada also suspended its participation in the Canada-Russia Intergovernmental Economic Commission.
Prime Minister Harper announced that at Ukraine’s request, Canada, along with a number of other member countries of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, will participate in a military observer mission that will report on military activities in Ukraine. Canada contributed two military observers.
March 4, 2014
Prime Minister Harper announced that, effective immediately, all planned bilateral activities between the Canadian Armed Forces and the military of the Russian Federation are suspended. This includes exercises, such as NORAD’s Exercise Vigilant Eagle, and scheduled meetings.
March 3, 2014
Prime Minister Harper issued a statement calling once again on President Putin to immediately withdraw his military from Crimea, adding that the situation in Ukraine remains extremely serious for global peace and security. The Prime Minister added that he has cancelled government representation at the Paralympic Games and instructed officials to review all planned bilateral interaction with Russia.
Prime Minister Harper spoke with Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Prime Minister of Ukraine, about developments in Crimea and other regions in the south and east of Ukraine. Prime Minister Harper condemned in the strongest terms President Putin’s military intervention in Ukraine.
March 2, 2014
Canada and other G-7 leaders issued a joint statement condemning the Russian Federation’s clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. In addition, they announced that they will “suspend our participation in activities associated with the preparation of the scheduled G-8 Summit in Sochi in June, until the environment comes back to where the G-8 is able to have a meaningful discussion.”
March 1, 2014
In response to the very serious developments in Ukraine, Prime Minister Stephen Harper convened a meeting of Cabinet ministers, preceded by a telephone exchange with President Obama. In a statement, the Prime Minister announced:
- Canada’s suspension of preparations for the G-8 Summit, currently planned for Sochi, and that the Canadian Ambassador in Russia is being recalled for consultations;
- Canada’s support for the immediate deployment of international monitors from the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to Ukraine; and,
- Canada’s engagement in discussions aimed at developing a financial aid package for Ukraine.
February 28, 2014
Minister Baird led a successful mission to Ukraine, where he and the Canadian delegation of parliamentarians and representatives of the Ukrainian-Canadian community met with key members of the new government.
February 14, 2014
John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced funding to provide supplies, equipment and medical care for Ukrainian activists through a contribution to the International Renaissance Foundation, a Ukrainian non-governmental organization.
January 26, 2014
Andrew Bennett, Canada’s Ambassador for Religious Freedom, led a successful visit to Ukraine, during which he expressed Canada’s ongoing concern about violations of basic freedoms and reinforced Canada’s commitment to the Ukrainian people.
