The Canadian Government has imposed new sanctions under Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations, while playing a key role in funding of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to safeguard nuclear facilities in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who made the announcement during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan on Friday, said Canada stands shoulder -to-shoulder with Ukraine, defending itself in the face of Russia’s war of aggression, and will continue to support the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.
Trudeau reiterated that Canada condemns Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine, its targeting of civilians, forcible deportation of children, seizure and exploitation of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, and use of nuclear rhetoric.
He imposed this new sanctions on the opening day of the Summit, where G7 Leaders discussed the ongoing global impacts of Russia’s war and Ukraine’s immediate military and financing needs as well as longer-term challenges related to its reconstruction and economic recovery.
While building on the Canadian Government’s already extensive sanctions regime, which includes: sanctions on 17 individuals and 18 entities linked to Russian companies that provide military technology and know-how to Russia’s armed forces, family members of listed persons, and members of the Kremlin elite.
Also, there are sanctions on 30 individuals and 8 entities involved in Russia’s ongoing human rights violations, including the transfer and custody of Ukrainian children in Russia which came after G7 leaders issued statement reiterating their collective support for Ukraine.
Canadian Prime Minister revealed that G7 leaders issued the Hiroshima Vision on Nuclear Disarmament, in which they condemned Russia’s reckless nuclear rhetoric and underscored the importance of maintaining the 77-year record of non-use of nuclear weapons.
“Together with our G7 partners, Canada is steadfast in its determination to advance global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation”.
To address threats posed by the North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, Prime Minister Trudeau announced a total of $15 million for five projects that will help ensure that the international community is better able to identify, investigate, and respond to North Korea’s WMD activities, including sanctions evasion.
“These projects will provide credible, publicly available information about North Korea’s capabilities to produce weapons and materials of mass destruction.
Continuing Canada’s leadership role as a key funder of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he announced an additional $4 million to the IAEA to continue verification and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear commitments.
“This new funding will help ensure the international community is able to track Iranian activities and maintain strong verification capacity until monitoring activities can resume in-country.
Trudeau also highlighted Canada’s recent contribution of $2 million for the IAEA’s efforts to support the safety, security, and safeguards of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and other nuclear facilities in Ukraine.
“Canada stands with the G7, more united than ever, ready to work with all willing partners to defend a peaceful, prosperous international order based on the rule of law. We will always oppose any attempts to change the status quo by force”, the Prime Minister said.