James Temerty, a prominent Canadian businessman and founder of Computerland and Northland Power Inc., is funding a $1 million lobbying campaign aimed at encouraging U.S. policymakers in the Trump Administration to support Ukraine. Blacklock's Reporter says despite repeated inquiries, Temerty, a Ukrainian Canadian who immigrated as a child, declined to comment on the initiative.According to records, Temerty hired Mercury Public Affairs LLC, a New York-based public relations firm, on a six-month contract worth $100,000 per month plus expenses. The firm’s mandate includes identifying influential Trump Administration appointees, arranging introductions, and positioning Temerty as a thought leader on Ukraine policy.“The consultant will provide services to the client as follows: Consult with the client concerning members of the incoming executive branch, administration and appropriate government agencies and departments related to Ukraine policy, arrange meetings and assist in educating policy makers and officials related to Ukraine,” wrote Mercury Public Affairs in its agreement.The lobbying campaign comes as Canadian public opinion on aid to Ukraine shows signs of wavering. A February 21 Privy Council report, Continuous Qualitative Data Collection Of Canadians’ Views, indicated that Canadians were increasingly uncertain about the impact of the country’s financial support for Ukraine.“It was felt Canada’s contributions had not had much of an impact and that Ukraine’s efforts to end the conflict had stalled with little hope for peace in the foreseeable future,” the report stated.Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed over $12.4 billion in aid to Ukraine. However, the report noted declining interest in the conflict among Canadians, with many expressing concerns about the financial burden of continued support.“Several questioned how long the Government of Canada could feasibly support the defence effort in Ukraine and worried this conflict would continue for years to come,” researchers wrote. “A few shared the opinion Canada had become too closely involved in geopolitical conflicts such as those in Eastern Europe.”Despite public ambivalence, cabinet had reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine. “We will be there until Ukraine wins the war,” then-Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said during a 2023 visit by Ukraine’s prime minister to Toronto. “We want to make sure Ukraine wins and will win this war.”
