Conservatives must support Ukraine with more than rhetoric

With the Ukrainian President visiting Canada, the NDP is urging the Conservatives to put rhetoric aside and make concrete commitments to assist Ukrainians with the ongoing crisis in their country.

“Ukraine has been anxious to receive $200 million in desperately needed financial aid that the Conservatives promised over six months ago,” said NDP Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre). “This financial package is key to restoring economic and political stability to Ukraine. The United States and the European Union have already delivered, why are the Conservatives dragging their feet?”

New Democrats also continue to call on the Conservatives to ensure that Russian business leaders with close ties to President Vladimir Putin do not escape sanctions. At least two businessmen with significant investments in Canada, blacklisted by the US and other allies, have not faced any Canadian restrictions.

“The Prime Minister promised not to let business interests affect Canadian foreign policy,” said Dewar. “If he’s serious about taking on the Russians, it’s time for him to close the loopholes in Canadian sanctions. Ukrainians deserve nothing less.”