Nuclear plant attacked
Thursday night, Canada’s Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a nuclear power plant in Ukraine was attacked by Russian forces.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office indicated Justin Trudeau called on Russia to immediately end all military activities in the area and indicated consultation with partners and allies were in the offing.
President Zelenskyy is deeply concerned about the potential for devastating consequences for the health and safety of Ukrainians and all Europeans without an immediate cease-fire at and around the nuclear plant.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency in a news conference this morning said the Russian attack on a nuclear power plant in Ukraine, the largest in Europe, did not hit any of the six reactors.
New tariffs for Russia
New actions announced Thursday from the federal government in response to the Russian invasion in Ukraine include more lethal arms being sent. The shipment will include rocket-launchers and grenades.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says they are also working with partners to suspend Russia from Interpol, and making it easier for Ukrainians to come to Canada. For those who want to come to Canada temporarily, the Canadian government is creating the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel. He suggests it will eliminate many of the normal visa requirements, and it will be the fastest way to get here.
Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister says our country is revoking Russia and Belarus’ “most favoured nation status” as trading partners. This means the two countries will be subjected to a 35 per cent tariff on their exports to Canada.
Chrystia Freeland says Canada is the first country to take this step. And when asked if the economic sanctions are having an impact she said it is absolutely having an impact on the Russian economy.
“Ruble down 30 per cent, interest rates up to 20 per cent, Fitch and Moody’s downgrading Russian debt to junk. Stock exchange closed for the fourth day in a row. This is a significant and direct impact which is already being felt by every single person in Russia.”
The only other nation that Canada subjects to these kinds of high tariffs and takes away other associated benefits is North Korea. Freeland wouldn’t go so far as to say it was an Economic War against Russia but said there was a lot more to come. Freeland says the 35 per cent export tariff for Russia will not significantly impact Canadians.
Canada streamlines Ukrainian immigration
The Government of Canada says it is simplifying the process for Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion to come to Canada. It has opened up two new immigration streams. One will allow Ukrainians to stay for up to two years. Most visa requirements will be waived, including fees, and in order to qualify individuals will need to complete an application form and provide biometrics.
For those looking to make Canada their home, the government is also introducing an expedited path to permanent residency for Ukrainians seeking to reunite with family members who are already in Canada, through a new family sponsorship program with the details to be finalized in collaboration with Ukrainian-Canadian community groups in the coming weeks.
