OTTAWA — Battlefords-Lloydminster Rosemarie Falk took on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Question Period on Wednesday over the issue of Ukraine.
Her line of questions focused on what the government would do to provide assistance in resettling Ukrainians in Canada, as well as a call to expel the Russian ambassador to Canada.
In her first question, Falk asked the prime minister if any assistance was forthcoming to the provinces.
“With strong ties to Canada, many displaced Ukrainians are looking to come to Canada for a safe shelter. In the time of great need, Canada can extend help to them. As Canadian provinces welcome Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression, supports and services are needed for their resettlement. To ensure that is speedy and successful, additional supports are needed now. Mr. Speaker, will the prime minister step up and provide the provinces additional funding that they need now to support Ukrainians resettling in Canada?”
Trudeau responded:
“Yes, Mr. Speaker, we will be there to support Ukrainians resettling in Canada as we have been there to support Syrian refugees, as we have been there to support Afghan interpreters and their families, as we will continue to be there to support people in this crisis of COVID-19 …”
Falk’s follow-up question was more hard-hitting, as she demanded the expulsion of the Russian ambassador to Canada. Her question was likely in response to a controversial Russian Embassy statement issued March 1 that circulated on social media. It claimed Russia “continues its special military operation to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine”, and further claimed “the Russian army does not occupy Ukrainian territory and takes all measures to preserve the lives and safety of civilians.”
Falk:
“Mr. Speaker, maybe I’ll get an answer to this question. Putin’s unprovoked aggression and invasion of Ukraine is an attack on all Western democracies and a threat to the very values that underpin our country. Putin is violating international law, he is infringing on Ukrainian sovereignty and killing innocent civilians. In no uncertain terms, Russia’s ambassador to Canada is complicit, he’s affirming with his actions and spewing propaganda. Mr. Speaker, why is the prime minister waiting to expel the Russian ambassador to Canada?
Trudeau:
“… The reality is that we have demonstrated and will continue to demonstrate that we are willing to do anything and everything to help the situation, whether it’s unprecedented sanctions, whether it’s military assistance including lethal aid, whether it's humanitarian assistance, whether it’s diplomatic leadership …. Everything is on the table. We will continue to do things that we think can help resolve the situation, condemn Vladimir Putin and support a free Ukraine.”
