Shadow Conservative MPs slammed the Liberal government for not doing enough to support Canada's military, claiming more action should be taken in response to Russia's "unprovoked and illegal" invasion of Ukraine.."This attack, coming on the heels of a joint pact between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, is the first major European war between countries since the Second World War and a serious violation of the international order and our collective humanity," the MPs said..“While Conservatives support actions taken to date by the Government of Canada, these efforts fail to reflect a response proportionate to the situation.".The statement was released Tuesday by Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Michael Chong, Shadow Minister for National Defence Kerry-Lynne Findlay, and Shadow Minister for Public Services and Procurement Pierre Paul-Hus..The MPs said the Liberal government needs to quickly deploy the $500 million allocated for Ukraine’s military aid in the 2022 budget to purchase the military equipment Ukraine needs, including artillery rounds and light-armoured vehicles..“The Trudeau government also needs to deliver on its commitment to isolate Russia diplomatically, instead of attending parties at the Russian embassy," they said. "That should include the expulsion of Russian diplomats engaged in subversive activities, as Canada’s closest allies have done by expelling some 400 Russian diplomats in recent months.".The MPs pointed out Russia supplied 40% natural gas in Europe, but the country has recently cut supplies to countries "unwilling to meet Putin’s demands.".While Canada is the fifth-largest natural gas producer in the world, the MPs said the country has not stepped in to fill the gap. They added the Trudeau government's commitment to supply a "paltry" 100,000 barrels a day per equivalent of natural gas to European countries by the end of 2022 is "completely insufficient."."The Trudeau government has failed to recognize that Canadian energy is vital to not only our economy but also to Canada’s and Europe’s collective security," they said..The MPs also blamed the Trudeau government for not delivering on its NATO commitment to increase Canada's defence spending to 2% of its GDP, adding that the federal government "remains unserious about Canada’s defence.".Canada's arctic also remains vulnerable, since Canada shares that border region with Russia, according to the MPs. They said the Trudeau government must "urgently" increase the country's capabilities to defend Canada's Arctic sovereignty and security..The Trudeau government yesterday announced $5.9 billion in spending to modernize NORAD, North America's aging defensive systems. But the MPs said it is "simply not enough," and called for Canada to join ballistic missile defence. Canada opted out of that US-lead program in 2005..“Conservatives will continue to stand with Ukraine, the people of Ukraine, and the more than one million Canadians with ties to Ukraine. We will continue to propose strong, constructive measures to counter Russia’s aggression and will continue to call on the Trudeau government to strengthen Canada’s defence capabilities and to renew our commitment to NATO.”
