44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 28, 2022 11:00AM
- Feb/28/22 6:48:57 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her speech. I would like her thoughts on the following.
We know that the Ukrainians are fighting with extraordinary strength, courage and resilience. While 500,000 people have left Ukraine so far, it is possible that in future, that number could be closer to five million. We hope not, but it could happen.
In order to be prepared and avoid the same unfortunate mistakes that have been made recently, including in Afghanistan, I would like the minister to tell us in what ways the Canadian Armed Forces are ready to play a humanitarian role in welcoming people leaving Ukraine, in collaboration with the other NATO countries and the countries bordering Ukraine.
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- Feb/28/22 6:49:39 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that the Canadian Armed Forces are ready to help Ukrainians who leave their country.
We have already imposed increasingly harsher sanctions, we have trained more than 33,000 Ukrainian soldiers, and we have given and delivered significant financial aid. We have also delivered lethal and non‑lethal aid. We have provided cyber-support. That is very important in today's urgent situations. Finally, we have contributed to bolstering NATO'S eastern flank through Operation Reassurance.
The Canadian Armed Forces are always ready, and we are there for the Ukrainian people.
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- Feb/28/22 6:51:07 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, during this conflict, we have seen the Russian army direct intentional attacks against civilians and civilian targets.
I want to know how the Canadian government is documenting these possible crimes. How will we work with our allies to make sure that Russian military commanders and their civilian oversight are held to account after this conflict, so they do not escape justice?
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- Feb/28/22 6:51:34 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, we know that these attacks, cyber-attacks included, are part of the Russian playbook.
We have been watching Russian escalation at the Ukrainian border for months. We are very well prepared, in terms of our intelligence and connections with the Ukrainian government, to document the loss of life. More important, however, is making sure that we are stepping up with humanitarian and economic aid, and ensuring safe passage for Ukrainians as they leave Ukraine.
We are doing all three. We have provided over $700-million worth of economic and humanitarian aid thus far alone, and we are also ensuring safe passage for Ukrainians as they leave their country.
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- Feb/28/22 6:52:39 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, these are painful and heartbreaking days for the people of Ukraine. It is unbelievable to watch images of families fleeing violence, citizens volunteering and lining up to receive weapons to fight for their country, and parents sending their children away to safety while they stay behind to defend Ukraine.
In the last few days, the world has seen the defiance and strength of Ukrainians standing up for their freedom, independence and sovereignty against the unprovoked aggression of a violent dictator. Their voices were joined by millions of people here in Canada and around the world, including thousands of Russians who took to the streets to oppose the war. Many of them were dragged away to prison. As the official opposition, Conservatives stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and its people and we condemn Putin and his gang in the strongest and harshest terms possible.
Putin's ongoing invasion of Ukraine is the first major European conflict since the Second World War. It is a serious violation of both international law and our collective humanity. This amounts to the most serious threat to the rules-based international order since 1945 and because of that, it is a serious threat to global peace and security. That is why Conservatives fully support the actions taken by the Government of Canada thus far, but we are calling on the Liberals to do more.
On Saturday, we released our proposals for immediate additional action and I would like to outline them for members tonight. First, we are urging the federal government to expel Russia's ambassador from Canada right away. Second, we are asking the government to recall Canada's ambassador from Moscow. Third, we are asking the government to direct the CRTC to revoke the licence of Russia Today so that Putin's propaganda machine can no longer reach Canadian homes. We are glad that companies such as Rogers, Telus, Bell and Shaw have already done this, but we would like to see the federal government take more of a lead on this issue.
Fourth, we believe Russia should be isolated internationally and are urging its removal from organizations such as the G20 and the OSCE. Fifth, we are encouraging the government to implement visa-free travel from Ukraine to Canada to help families escape here to safety. The Ukrainian people do not want to be permanent refugees. They want to be able to live in a free, peaceful and sovereign Ukraine, but Canada can be a safe haven for them in this moment.
The Conservatives support Ukraine. The Russian invasion is a threat to peace, the world order and global security. This is why we support the measures taken by the Canadian government. We are, however, calling on the government to take additional action, such as strengthening our defences and our commitment to NATO to counter Russia's threats.
The Liberal government cannot afford to take our peace and security for granted any longer. We need to take Putin's threats seriously. We need to make sure Canada is prepared to face aggression with the same level of determination we have seen in the Ukrainian people. That is why Conservatives are calling on the government to come forward with a robust plan to defend Canada's Arctic security and sovereignty. This includes modernizing NORAD's early warning system. It is also time that we fix Canada's long-broken military procurement system. We must accelerate the national shipbuilding program and, finally, it is time to purchase F-35 jets. In addition, we need to work in closer co-operation with Scandinavian allies and the United States to ensure Canada's north remains Canada's. Liberals have ignored our Arctic for six years, and this Russian invasion of Ukraine should be a wake-up call to get serious about Canada's Arctic.
Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine has highlighted another serious problem. Russia supplies as much as 40% of Europe's natural gas, and we are seeing it use this power to intimidate Europeans and Ukrainians. If supplies are cut, people cannot heat their homes. Entire industries will collapse and Europe's GDP will plummet. Canada has the answer here. Canada is the world's fifth-largest natural gas producer, but we cannot export gas to our European allies because we cannot get pipelines built.
The Liberal government has failed repeatedly to recognize that Canadian oil and gas is the most ethical and from the most environmentally responsible oil and gas industry in the world. It is clearer than ever that Canada's oil and gas is vital to the security and sovereignty of both Canada and Europe. It is clearer than ever that when the Liberals stop, delay and hamstring Canadian oil and gas from being extracted, transported and sold both at home and abroad, the biggest winner in every way, shape and form is Putin. Canada and the world lose and Putin wins. Why in the world would we want to do anything to help Putin fund his war chest? The Liberals need to stop putting up roadblocks to oil and gas development and exports. We need to get new pipelines built so that we can sell our energy to Europe and others and end Russia's monopoly on natural gas.
For over a century, Canadians of Ukrainian descent have enriched our communities and our culture, especially in the Prairies, where I am from. Canada, and Manitoba in particular, share ties with Ukraine that cannot be broken by war and aggression. When Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union three decades ago, it was Canada, under a Conservative Prime Minister, that was the first country to recognize its sovereignty. We must honour that legacy. As Canadian parliamentarians, I know we honour that legacy.
Canada's security is tied to Europe, and the Conservatives know that. Canada must strengthen its own defences and renew our commitment to the NATO alliance in the face of the threats from both Russia and China. As we speak tonight, Ukrainian families are huddled in subway stations calling for our help, just as the British did during the Blitz over eight decades ago. A country that faced the horrors of the Stalin regime with the Holodomor, but nonetheless emerged from the grasp of communist dictators, is again fighting off tyranny and violence. We must stand with them.
The federal government has stepped up in the last few days, but there is more that can be done. As they say in Ukraine, Slava Ukraini. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes. However, let us do more than just say those words. Let us take action now, and in the days and months to come, to do the right thing for Ukraine, for Canadians and indeed for the world.
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- Feb/28/22 7:00:49 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I thank the interim Leader of the Opposition for the demonstration of unity we have seen in this chamber on such a pressing global issue. I know that in my riding in Toronto, in Manitoba and right around the country, we have seen Canadians of all backgrounds and demographics coming forward, standing up for democracy against Russian aggression and calling out for what we need from this Parliament. We have seen some of that delivered just today, with the additional lethal munitions and lethal armaments to assist Ukraine in defending its sovereignty.
However, Canadians have also talked to people like me, who represent Ukrainian Canadians, and others in this chamber about a distinct type of threat that is emerging: threats to cybersecurity and cyber-threats. I am wondering if the interim Leader of the Opposition could comment on how we combat this pernicious threat in the online world, where cyber-threats are festering. Will her party work with our party in combatting this, including combatting what exists online, and in getting tough with important cyber-threats?
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- Feb/28/22 7:01:53 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, indeed, threats to cybersecurity have been a reality for a number of years. I know when we were in government and I was parliamentary secretary for public safety, we were talking about it. It is almost a new theatre of war. Cybersecurity threats come from Putin and Russia, but also from other countries, like China. That is why it is so important that we move forward quickly to ban Huawei. There are immediate threats we have to take seriously. As a country, working together with our allies and listening to our allies that have already banned Huawei is something practical we can do. However, we certainly recognize the threat.
I think there is another thing in this discussion that we should be recognizing. We talk about Russia and the Russian threat, but let us be clear: This is a threat from Putin. There are millions of Russian people in Russia and around the world who do not support what Putin is doing, and I think it is really important we recognize that. They are good people who are right now just as saddened, heartbroken and terrified at what this dictator is doing. I just want to make sure that is on the record as well.
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- Feb/28/22 7:03:22 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Portage—Lisgar for her comments and for her description of the situation. However, the only way for parties to resolve a conflict is through dialogue.
I would like to know why my colleague is so insistent that the ambassador or his representatives be sent back to Russia when that will ultimately only disrupt the dialogue.
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- Feb/28/22 7:03:49 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I agree that in some ways it is symbolic. However, in our world order, it is an important symbolic gesture and an actual action to make. Sending an ambassador home and recalling an ambassador sends a strong message that the country and the leader of that country, in this case Russia, are being isolated. I do not believe we can negotiate with Putin. I do not think diplomacy works with him. That has been made very clear.
To answer the member's question, we all agree it is, in a sense, a gesture, but it is an important one. I could be wrong, and the government could have more information on this, but maybe the Russian ambassador to Canada is saying something to our government right now or will say something publicly against Putin. I have not heard that, but I think we would very much welcome it. That could change our position. However, at this point, we have not heard the Russian ambassador say anything against what Putin is doing, which means he is onside. In that case, he needs to leave the country, and it is our government that needs to expel him.
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- Feb/28/22 7:05:13 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I represent an Alberta district, Edmonton Griesbach, and many Ukrainian families have come to me looking for support, particularly for their loved ones overseas. Right now, the government's IRCC system is backlogged, broken and ineffective.
Would the member please comment and elaborate on the need to reunify Ukrainian families and the need to ensure that IRCC plays a major role in reuniting Ukrainians and bringing them to safety?
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- Feb/28/22 7:05:41 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I think we are all feeling the same way. We want to be able to help Ukrainians who are fleeing.
As I said in my speech, I do not think Ukrainian people want to be permanent refugees anywhere. They want to be able to live in their home nation of Ukraine, a free, sovereign, peaceful nation. However, in the meantime, Canada could be a safe haven. Our suggestion is that we ask the government to remove the visa requirement.
We all saw what happened when Afghanistan came under attack. We were not able to bring people to Canada and protect them in the way that was expected of a nation like Canada. What we are trying to say to the government is let us get rid of the red tape right now so that we can immediately try to help people who want to come to Canada to be protected until peace is restored in their home nation.
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- Feb/28/22 7:06:41 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, would the hon. Leader of the Opposition and her party consider adding to the list of actions we should take? Looking across Canada, we see the assets in this country bought by Russian oligarchs, the millions of dollars in real estate. Could we move fast to seize those assets to send a message to Putin and his cronies?
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- Feb/28/22 7:07:07 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, that is definitely something we could support. It is very disturbing to see Putin's assets being protected and hidden. Money laundering is a big problem in Canada, not just with Russian oligarchs, but also with the Chinese.
This is a prime opportunity to deal with some of these major problems that we have seen occurring in the country. Canada should not be a safe haven for gangsters, thugs and dictators to protect their money. That has to stop. This is the best time and we are all in agreement. Let us get it done. Let us punish some of these dictators.
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- Feb/28/22 7:08:01 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, Canada is united for the people of Ukraine.
One of the things my leader raised in her speech was the importance of Europe's reliance on Russian gas and how that has put so much at risk. It is funding the very missiles and tanks that are invading Ukraine today. Canada could play that special role. We also know the Americans bring in 590,000 barrels of Russian oil every day.
Could Canada ensure European security through our energy products? Could we work with the Americans to secure North American markets so that we keep Putin from being financed by our dollars, American dollars and European dollars?
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- Feb/28/22 7:08:57 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, what we are seeing highlighted are some areas that have been ignored or maybe not represented in an honest, real way over the last number of years. However, today and in the last week, they have really come to light.
One of them is Canadian oil and gas and the benefit that it plays on the world stage. We have been proponents of it. Canada has the most ethically responsible oil and gas, but usually this is in the conversation around the environment and climate change. We have been fighting for Canadian oil and gas to be used on the world stage because we believe it is the best thing for the environment. Lo and behold, it is also the best thing for the world's safety, security and energy sovereignty. We are seeing that today.
We are here to say this as Conservatives, and we think it is time for the whole House to agree: Let us be champions of Canadian oil and gas, because it is good for the environment and, even more importantly, it is good for protecting our sovereignty. As we are seeing today, the biggest threats to our globe right now are dictators and tyrants like Vladimir Putin. Let us put that into perspective and do what we can as Canadians to protect sovereignty, peace and security. We do that by getting Canadian energy to the world.
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- Feb/28/22 7:10:36 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the ribbon I am wearing is a little different from my colleagues' because I got it yesterday during the march in support of the people of Ukraine in Montreal.
People in Montreal, in Quebec, probably in Canada, as well as in major cities and capitals around the globe, stand united in their condemnation of these serious, indefensible acts of aggression, which are driven by the vilest propaganda and disinformation, not to say outright lies. This aggression is the sole doing of a dictator whose only friends are himself, a few oligarchs who must be starting to worry about their bank accounts, and, above all, violence.
The right to self-determination is often viewed as something to be won, for example, with the Scots, the people of Catalonia, the Kurds or the unique situation in Taiwan. It is less common to see this right as something that must not be lost, that people do not want to lose, that they must protect with their voices, their hearts and sometimes, unfortunately, with weapons.
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the people of Ukraine and commend them for their courage. I also commend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has stepped up to his role and appears to be the driving force behind that courage.
Confronting a dictator like Russia's boss and his fantasies of conquest is a risky exercise. Imposing sanctions is not without risks, but it is still less risky than choosing, as an international organization, to take up arms.
I would like to think that the sheer scope and scale of the sanctions that have been and are being imposed on Russia are having an effect. The closure of airspace, the penalties imposed on the operations and functions of banks, the cutting off of trade, the limitations on oil exports, all of these are having an effect.
Unfortunately, a dictator must not be confused with the people he governs with an iron fist. In terms of consequences, freedom, and enjoyment of life, President Putin's first victim is the Russian people themselves. Inspired, it seems, by some of the worst moments in history, he seems to want to extend his grip.
Therefore, how can we not take action despite the risks, the threats, the bravado, the grandstanding, the verbal attacks and the lies? We must take action.
We were talking about this a little earlier: One of the things I think is important is the need to be a land of welcome. Canada and Quebec are already home to a large number of Ukrainian nationals and descendants of Ukrainians who are watching the situation in Ukraine with the great concern.
However, they are often buoyed by a rising sense of confidence, inspired by the fierce resistance of the Ukrainian army—and of Ukrainian civilians, sports figures, or teachers who are taking up arms to protect a freedom they all rightfully believe in.
The Prime Minister mentioned that one of the things that can be done to help people who will be displaced and will have to go somewhere is to facilitate their future arrival, family reunification and the welcoming of refugees. I am pleased that the House mostly agrees on what Ukrainians need. However, I do wonder why the government has not lifted the requirement for the usual visas.
A little earlier, I gave the example of the tens of thousands of people who crossed the border at Roxham Road. The problem was not the number of people but the lack of officials, efficient immigration reception structures and language instruction, especially for the very large number, if not the majority, of people who remained in Quebec. If we were able to show such compassion for irregular entries that were easy to control, why not do the same in a context of war?
I urge the Prime Minister and the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to reconsider this.
The significant restrictions on Russia's oil exports are among the sanctions and negative repercussions for the Russian economy. I will respectfully repeat that I have a major problem with this. Our national security and that of other countries does not depend on increasing the extraction, transport and trade of oil, but rather on freeing ourselves from this constraint, which continues to be just as dangerous for the planet today as it was two weeks ago.
I want to believe that what I am hearing in the House is not the exploitation of a tragic conflict to benefit western Canada's oil sector, which, in any scenario, with the proposed infrastructure, would not get anywhere before Vladimir Putin himself was relegated to a rocking chair. I urge all members to be wary of this false pretence dressed up as an opportunity.
Certain measures must be considered. Russia must be expelled from all international institutions to which it belongs. That said, I do not see the point of expelling the ambassador. While this may not apply to the Russian president, they do say “weapons or words”. Once talks reopen and economic sanctions produce their results, we are going to need a channel of communication, and that is the role of diplomacy. I think we sometimes have to hold our nose and maintain diplomatic ties.
We will support Ukraine, which wants to be free, wants to remain free. Many Quebeckers can relate to that despite never having experienced anything like what Ukrainians are going through. The Bloc Québécois believes in that for Ukraine as much as it believes in it for Quebec.
I feel I speak for all Quebeckers when I say to the Ukrainian people and President Volodymyr Zelensky that they have our steadfast support and friendship.
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- Feb/28/22 7:19:31 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the leader of the Bloc Québécois for his speech. I would also like to thank the Bloc Québécois members for their enthusiastic support of the measures the Government of Canada implemented recently to aid Ukraine during these extremely difficult times.
Today, the Government of Canada announced a third shipment of arms, anti-tank weapons this time, to Ukraine.
I would like to ask the leader of the Bloc Québécois if he supports this decision. Why does he think sending weapons to the Ukrainian army is very important?
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- Feb/28/22 7:20:17 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate. For a long time, many of us, including me, said we needed to be careful about sending weapons, because weapons never foster peace.
However, the situation forced upon Ukrainians by the Russian president is so desperate that it seems necessary to offer these men, women, soldiers and civilians a way to try to preserve their safety and dignity.
In this context, we also understand the symbolism of sending in anti-tank weapons, even though they may not be the latest model, considering that the people of Ukraine are facing a disproportionate military power and that these tanks, which are ruthlessly rolling through the streets of their peaceful cities, must indeed be removed by force, if necessary.
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- Feb/28/22 7:21:44 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the leader of the Bloc Québécois.
As my leader mentioned, we see a serious problem. Many countries, including Canada, use natural gas from Russia. This is a big problem for the world, and it is obvious that countries that purchase natural gas from Mr. Putin are undermining Ukraine.
I would like to hear the Bloc leader's thoughts on using only Canadian natural gas, instead of natural gas and oil from other countries.
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- Feb/28/22 7:22:40 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, merit comes with intent. What is the intention here?
Is the intention of my colleague's remarks to generously and compassionately ensure Europe's energy security?
Or is this just another attempt to find new markets to increase trade in western Canadian oil? There is no scenario in which western Canada would be able to get oil to Europe in a timely manner using the infrastructure projects we have heard about. It would have to use completely archaic means of transport.
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