Russia will face ‘coordinated sanctions’ if any further incursion into Ukraine: Trudeau

In an emergency debate on Monday night, Trudeau reiterated his government's commitment to expand and extend a military training mission in Ukraine.

All parties in the House of Commons agree that Canada must stand in solidarity with Ukraine but they’re in sharp disagreement over how best to do that.

In an emergency debate Monday night on Russia‘s military buildup along its border with Ukraine, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated his government’s commitment to expand and extend a military training mission in Ukraine, provide a $120-million loan and other non-lethal equipment, as well as development and humanitarian aid.

“Canada has a long history of standing up to bullies but standing up to bullies doesn’t mean that we want conflict,” he told the Commons.

Trudeau also reiterated his government’s commitment to work with allies in Europe and the NATO military alliance to impose co-ordinated sanctions on Russia, should it invade Ukraine.

“We’re always stronger together and we won’t be intimidated,” he said.

But Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole dismissed those measures as “empty words” and “half measures,” slamming the government for failing to provide the one thing Ukraine wants most: lethal defensive weapons.

“Russia outnumbers Ukraine four to one in military personnel, 22 to one in fighter planes, 15 to one in attack helicopters and five to one in battle tanks,” he said.

“They’re asking for our help at their hour of need and other allies have responded … Where is Canada?”