Stubbs argues for more support for Ukraine
Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs took advantage of the opening day in the House of Commons Jan. 31, to argue for additional support for Ukraine from the federal government.
“This debate is urgent and personal,” said Stubbs in her opening statement.
“Lakeland has deep Ukrainian roots and where I grew up it is called The Cradle of Ukrainian Settlement.”
She touched on the extensive Ukrainian festivals that take place in the riding and referenced the many symbols of Ukrainian food, faith and culture scattered around the region.
“Historically Canada stood with Ukraine to defend its territory and democracy,” she said. “More than three decades ago Canada was the first nation to recognize Ukraine’s independence from Russia. Our support was immediate within a day of the independence.”
“In 2014 the occupation of the Crimea was met with a swift and powerful response.”
She said under Stephen Harper the government had led the charge “to boot Russia out of the G8” and pledged millions of dollars in support for Ukraine.
She added two years ago Harper had warned of ongoing Russian aggression towards Ukraine and those words were now falling on the “deaf ears of this government.”
Stubbs said she had heard from constituents who wanted Canada to increase sanctions against Russia and provide military aid in the form of weapons to Ukraine.
“The people of Lakeland are standing with Ukraine and they expect the government to do the same,” said Stubbs.
The Liberals, she said, have only offered a small loan and a slight expansion of troops for training purposes.
“That’s not enough,” she said. “Ukraine is facing 130,000 Russian troops. Their embassy said, ‘We need to defend our land,’ and the UK and US have sent military equipment. We would appreciate it if Canada followed suit.”
“The Liberal government must stand with Ukraine with some real action,” she concluded.
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John Mather
Staff Reporter
