The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) is deeply concerned about media reports that the Government of Canada is preparing to return the Russian Nord Stream 1 pipeline turbine that is in Canada for repairs and subject to Canadian sanctions on the Russian energy sector.
“If the Government of Canada capitulates to Russian blackmail, a dangerous precedent will be set. Canada will have in effect submitted to the demands of the Russian terrorist state. Our Government will have shown the Russians that at the first sign of difficulty, Canada is ready to surrender to ultimatums,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. “Returning the turbine would embolden Russia to further aggression.”
As has been noted by both the Government of Ukraine and in independent media reports, Russia’s state gas monopoly Gazprom has deliberately reduced gas flows in NS1 in order to exert pressure on Germany and to foment discord between Ukraine and its supporters.
Once again using energy as a weapon, Russia seeks to set a precedent for the waiver of sanctions which will then be used to extract more waivers and to undermine Western unity.
CALL TO ACTION:
Write to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau NOW calling on him to stay strong on sanctions!
Prime Minister Trudeau’s email – justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca
Copy your Member of Parliament on the email – MPs emails are Firstname.Lastname@parl.gc.ca
Email Subject: Stay Strong on Russia sanctions!
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,
I am deeply concerned by reports that your Government is prepared to waive sanctions against Russia. Doing so will only embolden Russia to further aggression.
Russia is committing genocide against the Ukrainain people and the return of the Nord Stream 1 turbine would provide Russia with more money to use to kill Ukrainians. Instead of weakening sanctions on Russia, Canada should be strengthening them and providing Ukraine with more heavy weapons and economic aid – helping Ukraine to defeat Russia.
I urge you to maintain sanctions on the NS1 turbine, strengthen sanctions on Russia, implement a full trade embargo and declare Russia a state supporter of terrorism.
Yours truly,
[Your NAME]
For more background, please see:
June 15 UCC letter to Minister Joly re Nord Stream 1 pipeline
July 6 UCC letter to PM Trudeau re Nord Stream 1 pipeline
Ukrainian diaspora urges Trudeau not to return turbine to Russia
