Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada is committed to more support for Ukraine with the release of "Sovereignty Bonds" and additional sanctions on Russia.."We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to support the government and people of Ukraine, and hold Russia accountable for its brutal, unjustifiable invasion," in a Friday press release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). .While attending the XXVII Triennial Congress of Ukrainian Canadians in Winnipeg on Friday, Trudeau announced new measures to support the people of Ukraine. .“Canada and Ukraine are united — not just by the strong ties between our peoples, but also by our fundamental belief in freedom, in democracy, in justice, and in the triumph of light over darkness," said Trudeau. ."As Russia continues its illegal and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine, Canada will continue to support the Ukrainian government and people. In standing up for themselves, Ukrainians are standing up for democracy everywhere.”.The Government of Canada will issue Ukraine Sovereignty Bonds, "which will help the government continue operations," and contribute to "providing essential services to Ukrainians," such as supporting pensions and purchasing fuel before winter. .Proceeds from the five-year bonds will go directly to Ukraine through the International Monetary Fund's Administered Account. .“Canada remains unwavering in our commitment to support the people of Ukraine in their fight against Putin’s illegal and barbaric invasion, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure Ukraine has the resources it needs to win," said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland. ."Now, through a bond designated for Ukraine, Canadians can contribute to this critical effort through a new federally backed investment.”.This new financial commitment is in addition to the $2 billion in assistance Canada already extended to Ukraine this year, on top of an additional 1.5 billion in military aid, and $320 million committed to humanitarian response efforts. .Trudeau also announced — in an effort to increase pressure on Putin — Canada will "impose new sanctions on individuals and entities complicit in Russia's invasion of Ukraine."."These new measures will target 35 senior officials of energy entities, including those of Gazprom and its subsidiaries, and six energy sector entities involved in Russia’s ongoing violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," reads the press release. .It was also announced Canada will impose new sanctions on "members of the Russian justice and security sectors, including police officers and investigators, prosecutors, judges, and prison officials, involved in gross and systematic human rights violations against Russian opposition leaders.".Since February 2022, Canada committed more than $600 million in military assistance to Ukraine including 39 Canadian armoured combat support vehicles that are now beginning to arrive in Europe. .“Russia’s disregard for human rights will not stand," said Mélanie Joly, minister of Foreign Affairs.."President Putin’s history of gross human rights abuses is well documented, and Canada is doing everything it can to support Ukrainians who suffered at the hands of his regime. As Ukrainians continue to fight valiantly to reclaim the land that is rightfully theirs, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”.Trudeau also announced Canada is allocating $55 million in previously announced funding to support humanitarian partners with "winterization initiatives" including shelter, heating appliances, fuel and other essential items. .“Canada is committed to helping equip the crises-affected people with essential winterization tools and we are working with our humanitarian partners to assess the needs so that they can continue to scale up their operations and mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations,” said Minister of International Development, Harjit Sajjan. .The Canadian-Ukraine Science Partnership, also highlighted Friday, will see up to 20 Ukraine-based scientists relocated to live and work in Canada. The initiative will "help Ukraine preserve and rebuild its science and research capacity." ."By welcoming Ukrainian scientists to Canada, we can provide meaningful and important research opportunities for individuals forced to leave behind their careers and their homes by this ongoing conflict,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of Natural Resources. .Defence Minister Anita Anand added Canada's assistance "has been integral in their counter offensive" with the donation of military equipment and the training of Ukrainian security forces. .Rates of return on the new Ukraine Sovereignty Bonds have yet to be released. Canada is the first country in the world to offer a bond for purchase in support of Ukraine.
