Canada must do more for Ukraine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 18, 2023

James Bezan, Conservative Shadow Minister for National Defence, released the following statement regarding Minister Anand’s recent announcements of military equipment donations for Ukraine: 

“Conservatives welcome the announcements that Canada is providing Ukraine with an air defence system and 200 Senator armoured personnel carriers which will undoubtedly help save lives. However, these contributions are long overdue.

“Putin’s illegal and bloody war in Ukraine will reach the one-year mark next month. Canada can and should do more to support Ukraine in their fight for freedom, democracy and sovereign territory. 

“Since March, Conservatives have called on the Liberal government to donate the Canadian Army’s soon to be decommissioned, and soon to be replaced, fleet of Bisons, Coyotes and M113 Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Canada currently has over 300 Coyotes, Bison, and M113s that will be retired shortly and could be donated to the Ukrainian military. 

“This is what the Government of Ukraine is specifically asking Canada to donate. But instead, the Liberals continue ignore their direct request.

“Ukrainians are fighting bravely, not just for their freedom and for their homeland, but for all western democracies. Canada must do more to help them win this war against Putin’s brutal and illegal invasion.”