KYIV, UKRAINE – On Friday, November 28th, Member of Parliament James Bezan, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence accompanied the latest shipment of non-lethal military equipment and gear from the Canadian Armed Forces to the Ukrainian Security Forces. In the official hand over of winter uniforms, PS Bezan made the following remarks on behalf of the Government of Canada:
"Since the beginning of the Putin regime`s hostility towards Ukraine, Canada – under Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s leadership - has been at the forefront of the international community’s response.
"In coordination with our key allies and partners, we have imposed sanctions on the Putin regime. We have participated in election observer missions. We have donated non-lethal military and medical equipment.
"And we are participating in NATO’s assurance measures in Europe, through Operation Reassurance, to demonstrate our continued commitment to our NATO allies. Canada remains committed to NATO, committed to transatlantic security, and committed to helping Ukraine during this troubling time.
"And that’s why our Minister of National Defence Rob Nicholson announced that the Government of Canada is taking additional measures to help Ukraine. In response to a direct request from Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, we are donating a substantial amount of non-lethal military equipment and gear to the Ukraine Security Forces.
"Much of Canada’s generous donation has already arrived here. on the Royal Canadian Air Force CC-177 Strategic Airlifter from Trenton to deliver a portion of Canada’s donation directly to Ukraine. The remainder of the non-lethal military equipment and gear will be sent by sea, along with additional contributions funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. These additional items will include: a mobile field hospital, tactical communications systems, explosive ordinance disposal equipment, tactical medical kits, and night vision goggles.
"Let me acknowledge here the fact that Canada’s support to the people of Ukraine since the beginning of this crisis would not have been possible without the expertise and resources of the Canadian Armed Forces. It is thanks to our men and women in uniform that much-needed support – like the cold-weather clothing that is here in Ukraine now – can reach our partners around the world quickly and efficiently, including during crises. This demonstrates, once again, the efficacy of our forces, and their ability to make meaningful contributions to international peace and security.
"Finally, I would like to end by saying that our Conservative government will continue to work with the Government of Ukraine, and our allies, on how best we can assist Ukraine in its fight against the Putin regime for democracy and territorial sovereignty.
"Certainly, both Ukrainians and Canadians benefit by having strong, stable leaders with sound judgment and the character and principles to defend democracy and oppose aggressive militarism on the world stage."
"As I have said before, I am proud of the impressive leadership of, and actions taken by, Prime Minister Harper over the past year with respect to Ukraine. Moreover, Canadians across the country are proud of our Prime Minister for standing up to Putin on the world stage –most recently at the G20 in Australia where he told Putin to “get out of Ukraine.
"Prime Minister Harper also said, "That if it takes five months or 50 years, Canada will never, ever recognize Russia's illegal occupation of Ukraine's sovereign territory." Ladies and gentlemen, Luhansk is Ukraine. Donestk is Ukraine. Crimea is Ukraine! Slava Ukraini!”
