Close X
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
ADVT 
National

More sanctions coming against Russia: Joly

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Mar, 2022 12:37 PM
  • More sanctions coming against Russia: Joly

MONTREAL - Canada will soon impose new sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Monday.

"There will be more sanctions. We need to make sure we put maximum pressure on Vladimir Putin, his close guard and also the oligarchs, that is our goal," Joly said following a speech to the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations.

With further details on sanctions to come later this week, Joly told reporters Ottawa will do everything in its power to ensure Russia is isolated diplomatically, economically and politically, while providing Ukraine with weapons.

Joly called Russian President Vladimir Putin unpredictable and said his invasion of Ukraine is a threat to world stability.

"We need to make sure Ukrainians win this war. Vladimir Putin cannot prevail," she said. "This is a question that is existential to the West and the world's stability."

She praised the courage of Russians who have dared to demonstrate against the war, and she said she appreciates that the numerous sanctions Canada, the United States and the European Union have imposed are hitting the Russian population hard.

“We know that the Russian people themselves are suffering from these decisions, and I want to thank and support all those dissenting voices within Russia who have taken so much personal risk and shown so much courage in speaking out publicly against the situation in Ukraine," she said.

But she said the sanctions are necessary to pressure the Russian government to end its invasion, which has driven nearly 3.4 million people from Ukraine, according to the United Nations.

In her speech, Joly discussed how the invasion of Ukraine had turned geopolitics on its head, prompting western countries to reassess their military spending.

“I think our Armed Forces need to be better equipped under the circumstances," she said, noting Germany's decision to increase its defence budget to two per cent of its total budget. Several other NATO countries are making similar moves, she added.

Joly did not mention what Canada's plans are, noting those decisions are up to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. But there's little doubt, Joly said, that “the world has changed since Feb. 24, the date of the Russian invasion, and we will take note of it."

She also insisted that China play its role on the United Nations Security Council, noting the country has abstained on votes since the beginning of the conflict. Joly told the crowd there are concerns that Russian success in Ukraine could motivate China to take a similar approach in Taiwan.

“China must play a constructive role as a member of the Security Council, must ensure that the conflict does not escalate ... and that is the position that I have asked my diplomats to relay to Chinese diplomats,” she told reporters.

Joly said resources have been added to Canadian embassies in Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia, including extended hours to deal with Ukrainian refugees. Other embassies in Europe, notably in Paris, London and Rome, have been mandated to support those in countries bordering Ukraine.

MORE National ARTICLES

Amnesty on 'assault-style' firearms extended

Amnesty on 'assault-style' firearms extended
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in May 2020 he was banning more than 1,500 models of firearms, including the AR-15. He also announced owners of these guns would have a two-year amnesty period to come into compliance with the prohibition.

Amnesty on 'assault-style' firearms extended

Feds to drop COVID tests for vaccinated travellers

Feds to drop COVID tests for vaccinated travellers
In February, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced travellers coming to Canada would be able to present a negative rapid-antigen test at the border as an alternative to a more costly and time-consuming molecular test.

Feds to drop COVID tests for vaccinated travellers

One person injured in targeted shooting at a residence in Guildford

One person injured in targeted shooting at a residence in Guildford
The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has taken conduct of the investigation. The investigation is in the early stages, but all indications are that it was targeted. The shooting does not appear to be linked to the Lower Mainland gang conflict.    

One person injured in targeted shooting at a residence in Guildford

Porch theft led to the arrest of three youths

Porch theft led to the arrest of three youths
On March 4, 2022, Surrey RCMP received a report of a theft of package from a residence located in 8600-block of 156 Street. Police attended and learned that a package containing items such as designer jackets, shoes, sunglasses and t-shirts was stolen.

Porch theft led to the arrest of three youths

Revenue agency ramps up for tax season

Revenue agency ramps up for tax season
As the economy went into a downward spiral, with three million jobs lost and more having their hours slashed, the government pushed off the filing deadline and collection efforts. That move freed CRA officials to focus on doling out pandemic aid, and aimed to keep more cash in the pockets of Canadians to help them pay the bills.    

Revenue agency ramps up for tax season

Annual inflation rate climbs to 5.7% in February

Annual inflation rate climbs to 5.7% in February
Statistics Canada says that excluding gasoline prices, the headline inflation rate would have been 4.7 per cent in February. Grocery store prices were up 7.4 per cent for the largest yearly increase since May 2009, pushed higher by rising fuel costs that are being passed on to consumers.

Annual inflation rate climbs to 5.7% in February