James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake and parliamentary secretary for national defence, in Kingston, Ont. on Thursday March 12, 2015. Bezan spoke with Royal Military College cadets about Canada's role in Ukraine. Steph Crosier/Kingston Whig-Standard/QMI Agency
The Canadian Forces' logistical role in Ukraine could expand to a training mission with support from the United States, James Bezan, MP and Parliamentary Secretary for National Defence, said in Kingston Thursday.
Bezan, MP for Selkirk-Interlake in Manitoba, was in town to speak to Royal Military College cadets about Canada's ongoing efforts in Ukraine.
The situation in Ukraine, though, in its second ceasefire, is not close to being over, Bezan said.
"Make no mistake, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin has a goal in sight, he is an imperialist, he wants to return to the old ways," Bezan said. "He will move to re-establish the Russian empire. I'm not talking about the Soviet Union. He wants to return to the empire of [Nicholas II]."
To support Ukraine, Canada has reopened free-trade talks, and it has provided military training, combat winter clothing, medical training and, most recently, satellite imaging.
Bezan said Canada isn't the only country watching Putin's moves. The Baltic countries want to see NATO do more, but it is difficult because Ukraine is not a NATO ally.
"I can tell you there are those within NATO who are extremely nervous about this Russian aggression," Bezan said. "However, we want to try to make sure every diplomatic lever is pulled before we have to do anything more aggressive."
Diplomatic moves include Canada placing more sanctions on Russia than any other country, Bezan said.
"Isolating Putin and his regime on the international stage as much as we can is also critical to having them back off," Bezan said. "There is no doubt that the sanctions, as well as the fall in oil prices, has got Russia in a full-swing recession.
"And I'm somewhat optimistic that the protests, especially after the assassination of (former Russian opposition figure Boris) Nemtsov, could bring about a change in attitude within the Kremlin."
As for the war against ISIS in Iraq and continuing the Forces' mission there, Bezan said the cabinet has not yet made any decisions.
"But they are looking at all the options, and an option includes not continuing," Bezan said. "But until that decision is made, and that motion is presented before the House, I can't say what will happen."
Canadian Special Operations Regiment soldier Sgt. Andrew Doiron was killed by friendly fire from Iraqi Kurdish fighters last Friday. Doiron was shot while returning from an observational post behind front lines when Kurdish military engaged the group he was with. Three other soldiers were injured in the encounter.
Bezan said situations like Doiron's death are always considered when looking at expanding the Forces' role in the Middle East. Bezan said he is disappointed with the comments made by Peshmerga group commanders in relation to the death.
"It's not at all helpful. We should wait until the investigations are complete," Bezan said. "Then we can move forward on what went wrong, and how we correct it."
Bezan said Canada's mission in Iraq affects its efforts in Ukraine.
"There is only so much you can do," Bezan said "Right now, the biggest direct threat to peace and security, not only in the Middle East but the peace and security in Canada, is ISIL, and I think most Canadians see it that way as well.
"But we can't lose sight of Putin's game, and what he plans on doing back with the separatists in Ukraine."
