Following the announcement of retaliatory sanctions against him from Moscow, James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, has issued the following statement:
“To be included on this Russian list of Canadians is a badge of honour, and I am proud to be included with these distinguished Canadians who oppose the invasion of Crimea by Russian forces.
“These punitive measures will not silence my criticisms of the illegal military invasion and occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, nor mute my strong support for the people of Ukraine and their transitional government.
“Canada and its G-7 partners have spoken with one voice in condemning President Putin’s military intervention in Ukraine, and just this past weekend the Prime Minister made a historic visit to Ukraine. He was the first G7 leader to meet with Ukraine’s interim government. This visit reaffirms Canada’s strong support for the new government of Ukraine as it undertakes a new course that is based on the principle of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Our government will continue to cooperate closely with our G-7 partners and other allies.
“The Government of Canada remains gravely concerned by the situation in Crimea and we will continue to voice our extreme displeasure with the Russian Federation on a variety of levels. Instead of responding to the calls of the international community to withdraw their troops, Russia has continued its provocative actions. This is entirely unacceptable.
“Although the situation in Ukraine remains fragile and fluid, the priority of our government is the economic and political stability of Ukraine. Our government continues to stand ready to assist Ukraine through this historic moment in its history.
“I will continue to stand in solidarity with those courageous Ukrainians who aspire for a free and democratic Ukraine."
