Canadian Parliament passes special resolution on 1,000 days of Russian full-scale war against Ukraine
The House of Commons of Canada has passed a resolution that outlined Canada's stance on the Russo-Ukrainian war to mark the 1,000 days of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
The resolution was passed unanimously. A minute of silence was also held in the House of Commons to honour the Ukrainians who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom and independence.
In the document, Russia's aggression is condemned and it is emphasised that Ukraine is fighting on the front line of the free world. The war, initiated by the order of the Kremlin leader, is described as having led to daily atrocities against the Ukrainian people, including genocide, crimes against humanity and violent acts of aggression.
The MPs called on Russia to fully cease the hostilities against Ukraine and withdraw all its troops and armed forces from Ukrainian territory. They also urged the Canadian government to continue providing significant military and humanitarian support to Ukraine in order to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
The resolution also calls for strengthening sanctions against Russia, holding accountable those who evade sanctions and banning all forms of Russian state media in Canada.
It urges all possible efforts to ensure the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war, illegally detained civilians and Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia (Canada has taken a leadership role in this aspect of the Peace Formula). It also supports efforts to bring to justice those responsible for the crime of aggression and war crimes.
Furthermore, the resolution expresses support for Ukraine’s future NATO membership.
"We are grateful to MPs Heather McPherson (New Democratic Party) and Stéphane Bergeron (Bloc Québécois) for their initiative and for introducing the resolution, as well as to all members of the House of Commons for their support and numerous statements in support of Ukraine," Yuliia Kovaliv, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Canada, wrote on Facebook.
At the beginning of November, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the shipment of the first NASAMS air defence system ordered by Canada for Ukraine.
Following the news that the US lifted its "long-range" strike restrictions for Ukraine, Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair stated that Ottawa had long advocated for such a decision.