Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s egregious attack on Ukraine. These additional unprovoked actions are another clear and further violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. They are also in violation of Russia’s obligations under international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Canada has already taken a series of measures in close coordination with our allies and international partners, to respond to Russia’s egregious and illegal invasion of Ukraine. Canada imposed sanctions on 31 individuals who are key members of President Putin’s inner circle, close contacts and family members of some individuals already sanctioned by Canada, and 27 key financial institutions.
Canada will also be providing additional humanitarian aid to Ukraine by matching every donation made by individual Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross between February 24, 2022, and March 18, 2022, up to a maximum of $10 million. The generosity of Canadians when a crisis strikes is always remarkable, and their efforts in times of need make a difference. This matching funding reinforces Canada’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine. This funding is in addition to the $50 million in funding for development and humanitarian aid that Canada has recently announced and the $620 million in sovereign loans that Canada has recently offered Ukraine.
We are also taking immediate measures to help Ukrainians and Canadian citizens come to Canada, including by:
- Establishing a dedicated service channel for Ukraine enquiries at 613-321-4243. In addition, clients can now add the keyword “Ukraine2022” in their enquiry and their email will be prioritized;
- Implementing urgent processing of travel documents, including issuing single-journey travel documents, for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members;
- Ensuring that Ukrainians currently in Canada do not have to leave; and
- We will be extending temporary status and issuing open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are currently in Canada and cannot go home, and waiving fees for passports, permanent resident documents, proofs of citizenship, visitor visas and work and study permits.
We will not stop here. As the situation unfolds, we are preparing additional measures and will increase our efforts to welcome Ukrainians to Canada. Our support for Ukraine, for democracy, and for human rights remains unwavering.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine is also an attack on democracy, on international law, on human rights, and on freedom. It threatens peace and order in Europe and around the world. These unwarranted actions will not go unpunished. We continue to stand with Ukraine, its people, and the Ukrainian Canadian community here in Canada.
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