Russian invasion of Ukraine – GAC Communications – Key messages

Top line key messages

  • On February 24, 2022, without provocation, Russian forces, with the support of the Belarusian regime, initiated a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine.
  • This unjustifiable, hostile act is a blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order.
  • Canada strongly condemns President Putin’s unjustifiable and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
  • Canada calls on Russia to immediately cease all hostile and provocative actions against Ukraine and withdraw all military and proxy forces from the country. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and the Ukrainian people must be free to determine their own future.
  • We must hold Russian leadership to account, call on it to abandon this path of war, and return to good-faith diplomacy.
  • Global Affairs Canada is undertaking a review to identify activities involving Russia as part of the government's response to the attack on Ukraine.
  • In response to Russia’s egregious actions, the Government of Canada is looking at all of its activities and holdings in coordination with like-minded partners. This coordination demonstrates the broad international support for Ukraine and its people.
  • Canada will continue to act and to coordinate with partners to implement further sanctions if Russia persists with its aggression against Ukraine.
  • Since Russia’s attempted annexation and illegal occupation of Crimea in 2014, Canada has sanctioned over 850 individuals and entities, with many of these sanctions undertaken in coordination with our allies and partners. Canada’s sanctions will impose asset freezes and dealings prohibitions on listed persons.
  • Canada stands firmly with Ukraine and its people.

Additional Key messages on GAC’s response

Consular assistance and mission posture................. 2

Consular assistance - 2022-03-07......................... 2

Travel advice - Updated 2022-03-14................ 3

Canadians travelling to fight in Ukraine - Updated 2022-03-17............................................................. 3

Overarching GoC messaging for ministerial use............................................................................. 3

GAC...................................................................... 3

DND..................................................................... 3

JUSTICE................................................................ 3

Mission posture - Updated 2022-03-02............... 4

Bilateral Relations - 2022-03-11................................ 4

Security Situation in Ukraine................................. 4

Canada’s position – Updated 2022-03-08........... 4

Economic measures on Russia and Belarus – Updated 2022-03-16.............................................. 5

Export controls................................................... 5

Broader messaging for non-traditional partners 6

Canada’s work with allies...................................... 6

NATO - Updated on 2022-03-03....................... 6

G7 - Updated on 2022-03-07............................ 6

Malicious cyber activity targeting Ukraine.......... 7

Disinformation- Updated on 2022-03-16............. 8

G7 Rapid Response Mechanism - Updated on 2022-03-16......................................................... 8

Additional funding to counter disinformation on 2022-03-16............................................................. 9

Referral to International Criminal Court.............. 9

Development and humanitarian assistance.......... 10

Canada’s humanitarian response - Updated 2022-03-11........................................................... 10

Matching Fund - Updated 2022-03-17............... 10

Canada’s contribution to the WHO’s health response in Ukraine – Updated 2022-03-09..... 10

Sending goods or supplies to Ukraine................ 11

Development assistance – Updated 2022-03-17............................................................................... 11

Sovereign Loan – Updated 2022-03-17............. 11

Global food insecurity – Updated 2022-03-11.. 11

Trade and Investment- 2022-03-04........................ 12

Consular assistance and mission posture

Consular assistance - 2022-03-07

  • Our highest priority remains the safety and security of Canadians.
  • Consular services remain available to Canadians affected. Should there be a surge in demand for consular assistance, we are prepared. Our staff in Ottawa and major European cities are on standby to support as needed. 
  • We are working tirelessly, including through close cooperation with our international partners, to help ensure unhindered passage of Canadian citizens and permanent residents out of Ukraine.
  • The Government of Canada is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates to Canadians through its Travel Advice and Advisories, the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and on its social media.
  • Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact Global Affairs Canada's Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling +1 613 996 8885, by text message at +1 613-686-3658, by e-mail at sos@international.gc.ca or via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881.
  • We urge Canadians affected to sign up with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service, so we can directly notify them of changes to the situation and share crucial information on how we can help them.

Travel advice - Updated 2022-03-14

  • Canadians are being advised to avoid all travel to Ukraine, Russia and Belarus due to the impacts of the Russian military invasion. Canadians in the affected countries should leave while commercial means are still available.
  • Travel Advice and Advisories for Ukraine and affected countries in the region will be updated promptly to respond to events that may affect the personal safety and security of Canadians.

Canadians travelling to fight in Ukraine - Updated 2022-03-17

Overarching GoC messaging for ministerial use

  • The Government of Canada has grave concerns for the safety of anyone travelling into Ukraine at this point in time, for any purpose, including to take part in the conflict.
  • Our ability to provide consular services in Ukraine is severely limited, as we have no physical presence in the country.
  • The Government of Canada may not be able to provide any assistance to Canadian citizens who join militias or armies and are injured or captured by Russian forces.
  • While we cannot comment or speculate on specific circumstances related to enlistment, the Foreign Enlistment Act prohibits enlistment in the armed forces of any foreign state at war with a friendly foreign state, or travel to do so.
  • The Foreign Enlistment Act prohibits anyone in Canada from recruiting or otherwise inducing persons to join the armed forces of a foreign state or other armed force operating in that state.

GAC

  • The safety and security of Canadians abroad is a top priority of the Government of Canada. 
  • Global Affairs Canada advises against all travel to Ukraine.
  • The advisory has been in place since February 1, 2022.
  • Canadians deciding to travel to Ukraine would be at high risk, particularly those who go to take part in the conflict.
  • Canadians in Ukraine should not depend on the Government of Canada to help them leave the country.
  • The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller and we cannot guarantee the safety and security of Canadians abroad.

DND

  • There are no Canadian Armed Forces members who have taken leave to go to Ukraine. As Global Affairs Canada is recommending against any travel to Ukraine, leave requests for the purpose of such travel would not be approved.
  • One of the best ways for Canadians to contribute to international stability is to enroll or re-enroll in the CAF. Canada regularly sends the CAF to help other NATO allied nations remain secure and stable. In fact, CAF sea, land and air task forces are sent to form part of NATO military coalitions.

JUSTICE

  • The Government of Canada does not give legal advice to Canadian citizens seeking to take part in foreign conflicts. Any individual considering doing so, should seek advice on the potential legal consequences.

Mission posture - Updated 2022-03-02

Consulted: CSS, CSW, ECE

  • Our number one priority is the security and safety of our staff. For this reason, we have temporarily suspended operations at the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine.
  • We do not discuss operational details of our missions abroad out of security considerations.

Bilateral Relations - 2022-03-11

Consulted: ECE

  • Canada has been strongly supporting Ukraine as it takes the necessary steps to secure its future as a stable, democratic and prosperous country. Canada is steadfast in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • From 2014 to 2021, Canada provided more than $890 million in multifaceted support to Ukraine, encompassing a broad range of financial, development, stabilization and security, defensive military equipment and humanitarian assistance.
  • Canadian and Ukrainian officials have been engaging regularly on a range of issues, including Ukraine's security, reforms, trade, and investment.
  • Canada remains supportive of Ukraine’s economic and judicial reforms in securing Ukraine’s future as a democratic, rules-based state that delivers security, prosperity and freedom for all of its citizens.

Security Situation in Ukraine

  • Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian leadership’s unjustifiable war on Ukraine. These unprovoked actions are a clear further violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • President Putin is blatantly violating the UN Charter, and trying to re-design the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and of the sovereign equality of all states.
  • He is deliberately trying to redraw internationally recognized borders by force.

Canada’s position – Updated 2022-03-08

  • Canada strongly condemns President Putin’s unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.
  • President Putin has launched the largest military invasion of any European country since World War II. He has devastated peace and security in Europe.
  • This invasion is causing widespread humanitarian consequences and resulting in the senseless deaths of innocent people.
  • This is not just an attack on Ukraine. This is an attack on international law, including the UN Charter, as well as democracy, freedom, and human rights.
  • The consequences of Russia’s actions will extend well beyond Ukraine’s borders.
  • The international community must be seized of this issue and condemn with one voice President Putin’s aggressive actions. What Russia has done cannot be normalized.
  • In launching this war, Russia is seeking to destroy the freedom of a people and to overthrow the democratically elected government of a sovereign nation.
  • We must hold Russian leadership to account, call on it to abandon this path of war, and return to good-faith diplomacy.
  • Canada stands with the government of Ukraine and its brave and resilient people.
  • Canada has referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in concert with other ICC member states. The ICC has Canada’s full support and confidence and we urge Russia to respect the court process.
  • For the most recent announcements from Global Affairs Canada related to the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, visit our webpage, News – Canada’s response to the crisis in Ukraine.

Economic measures on Russia and Belarus – Updated 2022-03-16

SWIFT – Updated 2022-03-16

  • In response to Putin’s unjustifiable war of choice against Ukraine, Canada, the EU, the U.K. and the U.S. have committed to disconnect key Russian banks from the SWIFT global interbank payment system. This joint effort has and will continue to significantly restrict their ability to send money in and out of the country and effectively pause Russia’s major imports and exports.

Export controls

  • On February 24, 2022, Canada announced restrictions on exports to Russia. Canada stopped the issuance of new export permit applications and cancelled valid export permits for controlled goods and technology to Russia.
  • Permits are required for the export and brokering of goods and technology controlled under the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA).
  • Canada’s Export Control List (ECL) identifies specific goods and technology that are controlled for export from Canada to other countries, regardless of their means of delivery.
  • It is now prohibited for any person in Canada and any Canadian outside Canada to directly or indirectly transact in, provide financing for or otherwise deal in new Russian debt.
  • Canada will continue to monitor the evolving situation and may reassess its export controls policy towards Russia in light of changes on the ground.

Broader messaging for non-traditional partners

  • We recognize that there are major issues of disagreement between Russia and Ukraine, and deep historical ties that cross borders. This is not unique to Russia and Ukraine – many states share these challenges.
  • But these challenges are not solved by the unilateral forcing of new borders along ethnic or cultural lines. They are not solved by the subjugation of smaller states to bigger ones.
  • The brutal targeting of civilian infrastructure and the senseless death of innocent Ukrainians is immoral.

Canada’s work with allies

  • Canada has been resolute in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine both bilaterally and at the UN, OSCE, NATO, and other multilateral forums.
  •  In coordination with allies and partners, Canada is holding President Putin and those complicit in his aggressive actions accountable.
  • Canada has increased our support to Ukraine’s defence capabilities and economic resilience, and we have increased our humanitarian assistance funding and our diplomatic capacity in both Ottawa and to our Embassy to Ukraine. 
  • We are continuing to challenge Russia’s false narrative that Ukraine or NATO are a threat.

NATO - Updated on 2022-03-03

  • Canada and our NATO Allies are unwavering in our support for Ukraine’s stability, security and territorial integrity.
  • The coordinated approach among NATO Allies and partners demonstrates the collective resolve of the international community and sends a clear message to Russia that there are severe consequences and costs to its military incursion in Ukraine.
  • Canada and its NATO Allies are increasing political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
  • At the NATO Leaders meeting on February 25, leaders condemned Russia and Belarus’ actions and reiterated their commitment to coordinate closely with all partners on next steps. 
  • Minister Joly and senior officials from Global Affairs Canada remain in active conversation with U.S. and European partners as part of coordinated efforts to support Ukraine and pressure Russia to immediate end its war on Ukraine.

G7 - Updated on 2022-03-07

  • On March 4, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union reiterated their profound condemnation of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of choice against Ukraine, enabled by the Belarussian government.
  • The G7 Foreign Ministers call on Russia to uphold its obligation to fully respect international humanitarian law and human rights law.
  • Ukrainian and UN humanitarian agencies, medical personnel, and non-governmental assistance providers must be given safe, rapid and unimpeded access to people in need immediately throughout the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
  • The G7 will hold accountable those responsible for war crimes, including indiscriminate use of weapons against civilians, and we welcome the ongoing work to investigate and gather evidence, including by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  • The G7 commit to increasing humanitarian support, as the needs of the Ukrainian people grow due to Russia’s aggression.
  • The G7 Foreign Ministers Russia to stop its attacks especially in the direct vicinity of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. Any armed attack on and threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of international law.
  • The G7 support the initiative of IAEA Director General Grossi announced today for an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to ensure the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine.
  • We will continue to impose further severe sanctions in response to Russian aggression, enabled by the Lukashenka regime in Belarus. President Putin, and his government and supporters, and the Lukashenka regime, bear full responsibility for the economic and social consequences of these sanctions.
  • G7 condemn the widespread use of disinformation by the Russian Government and its affiliated media and proxies to support its military aggression against Ukraine. Their steady stream of fabricated claims is putting additional lives at risk. We commit to countering Russia’s disinformation campaign.


Arctic Council - 2022-03-14

  • Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States condemn Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and note the grave impediments to international cooperation, including in the Arctic, that Russia’s actions have caused.
  • The core principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, based on international law, have long underpinned the work of the Arctic Council, a forum which Russia currently chairs.  In light of Russia’s flagrant violation of these principles, our representatives will not travel to Russia for meetings of the Arctic Council.
  • The member states are temporarily pausing participation in all meetings of the Council and its subsidiary bodies, pending consideration of the necessary modalities that can allow us to continue the Council’s important work in view of the current circumstances.
  • We hold a responsibility to the people of the Arctic, including the Indigenous peoples, who contribute to and benefit from the important work undertaken in the Council.

Malicious cyber activity targeting Ukraine

  • Canada condemns the malicious cyber activity targeting Ukraine’s government systems.
  • Canada continues to work with partners and allies to provide cyber security assistance to Ukraine 
  • We will continue to work with our international partners to develop measures aimed at preventing, deterring, discouraging and countering malicious cyber acts, and to maintain the open, reliable, and secure use of cyberspace.

Disinformation- Updated on 2022-03-16

  • As 2022 Chair of the Freedom Online Coalition, Canada leads a group of 34 governments united by our belief that the same human rights people enjoy offline must be protected online.
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly released a statement condemning Russian state-sponsored disinformation campaigns in Ukraine, which undermine peace, prosperity, and individual freedoms.
  • Canada supports the international community in detecting, correcting, and calling out Russia's state-sponsored disinformation campaigns because disinformation undermines peace, prosperity and individual freedoms, and erode trust in democracy. 
  • Disinformation is a growing challenge to democracies, who rely on a shared set of facts to support public debate and decision-making.  We will need to continue to work together in forums like the FOC if we’re to tackle the challenge.  
  • The Kremlin continues to control the information space by combining its disinformation campaign with unprecedented restrictions on independent media and the blocking of social media platforms in Russia. These tactics are putting additional lives at risk, at a moment when some access to timely and factual information is critical.  

G7 Rapid Response Mechanism - Updated on 2022-03-16

  • Canada is pleased to lead the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) on an ongoing basis to enhance collaboration to identify and respond to foreign threats to democracy, like disinformation.
  • Foreign threat actors are targeting democratic institutions and processes; media and the information environment; and fundamental freedoms and human rights at an alarming rate.
  • Canada is deeply concerned that some states are employing disinformation, as one of a number of tactics, to erode democracy and the rules based international order.
  • And we are seeing this in the context of crisis in Ukraine, where the Kremlin used disinformation to create a pretext for its illegal invasion and now continues to manipulate information in an attempt to blur facts on the ground, divide Ukrainians and allies and build support for its actions at home and abroad
  • Putin has long employed state sponsored disinformation at home and abroad to achieve its national and geopolitical objectives.
  • Across the board, the G7 RRM has allowed us to strengthen our collective understanding of foreign threats and sharpen our respective capacities to counter them, boosting the resilience of our societies and our ability to support fellow democracies.
  • Canada is committed to working with G7 RRM members and observers to bolster the mechanism, including implementing the 2021 Cornwall Summit commitments to: enhance collaboration with international partners like NATO; improve collective analytical capability to counter disinformation online; and develop a shared understanding of hostile activity in the information space.
  • In this context, the Prime Minister has recently announced new funding in support of the G7 RRM.

Additional funding to counter disinformation on 2022-03-16

Consulted: IGR, IOL

  • Canada has been working to enhance strategic communication capacity in Ukraine and build the resilience of Ukrainians to disinformation since 2019 and we are now committing an additional 3M to enhance strategic communication capacity in Ukraine and building the resilience of Ukrainians to disinformation.

Referral to International Criminal Court

  • The International Criminal Court (ICC) is responsible for ascertaining individual criminal responsibility for those committing the most serious international crimes in instances where it has jurisdiction.
  • The ICC Prosecutor has previously determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed on the territory of Ukraine.
  • Canada has referred the situation in Ukraine to the ICC in concert with other ICC members as a result of numerous allegations of the commission of serious international crimes in Ukraine by Russian forces, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.
  • This State referral will expedite matters by allowing the Prosecutor to immediately proceed with the investigations into allegations.
  • Canada will not spare any effort to ensure that violations of international law in Ukraine are investigated, that evidence is gathered, and that perpetrators are held to account.
  • The ICC has our full support and confidence.

No-fly Zone over Ukraine on 2022-03-09

  • Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused widespread human suffering and destruction. In response, Canada has imposed severe sanctions and continue to provide humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine.
  • We are committed to the transatlantic bond and will continue working with our allies and partners to respond to President Putin’s aggression against Ukraine.
  • Enforcing a no-fly zone requires military engagement using planes or anti-aircraft weaponry; responding to airspace violations would mean a direct military confrontation.
  • If Russian or Allied planes were targeted or attacked, this could lead to a rapid escalation of hostilities, and even a full-fledged war.
  • Canada calls on President Putin to cease all hostilities, remove all Russian forces from Ukrainian territory and engage in dialogue and diplomacy in good faith.
  • Canada stands resolute with Ukraine and its brave and resilient people.

Development and humanitarian assistance 

Canada’s humanitarian response - Updated 2022-03-17

  • Since the onset of the crisis in 2014, Canada has provided over $194 million in humanitarian assistance funding.
  • To date in 2022, Canada has committed $145 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. This includes:
    • $15 million in response to the evolving humanitarian situation in Ukraine provided in January 2022.
    • $30 million to the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal through a matching fund launched on February 25, 2022.
    • $100 million in response to the UN Humanitarian Flash Appeal and the Regional Refugee Response Plan for Ukraine announced on March 1, 2022.
  • This funding will provide our experienced UN, Red Cross and NGO humanitarian partners the flexibility to adapt their responses and support the population as needs evolve.
  • Canada’s humanitarian funding will help provide emergency health services (including trauma care), protection, support to displaced populations and essential life-saving services such as shelter, water and sanitation, and food.
  • We are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with organizations on the ground to better understand the needs of crisis-affected people. We stand ready to provide additional assistance, as appropriate and based on needs. 
  • For more detailed information on Canada’s Development and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, visit our webpage, How Canada is helping - Crisis in Ukraine.

Matching Fund - Updated 2022-03-17

  • The matching donation amount through the Government of Canada has been reached.
  • Thanks to the support of the Government of Canada, $30 million in individual donations made to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal will be matched.
  • Global Affairs Canada will transfer the matching funds to the Canadian Red Cross for their Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal, which will in turn allocate the total amount of funding to support the efforts of the Red Cross Movement, including the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
  • Funds will allow the Red Cross Movement to support preparedness, immediate and ongoing relief efforts, and other critical humanitarian activities as needs of people affected by the conflict in Ukraine arise, both in Ukraine and in surrounding countries, including support to populations that have been displaced.
  • The matching fund is a tool for the Government to recognize the generosity and engagement of Canadians in response to this humanitarian crisis. It is a unique expression of Canada’s core values, including compassion for those suffering from circumstances beyond their control.
  • The Government of Canada contribution to the matching fund for Ukraine is capped at $30 million.

Canada’s contribution to the WHO’s health response in Ukraine – Updated 2022-03-09

  • The armed conflict in Ukraine has significantly disrupted health services and is having a disproportionate impact on women and children. Canada is contributing to the WHO’s overall health response in Ukraine, which is focused on saving lives, ensuring access to basic health services for those affected by the armed conflict, COVID-19, polio and other health threats.
  • Canada has allocated more than $1.7 million to the WHO to improve essential health services in Ukraine, including emergency care for injured patients and continued COVID-19 care.

Sending goods or supplies to Ukraine

  • Global Affairs Canada does not recommend to ship goods to Ukraine.
  • In line with best practice, Canada is financially supporting experienced humanitarian organizations instead of sending food or goods. Monetary assistance allows relief agencies to quickly purchase supplies based on the specific needs of the population. It is also more cost-effective to purchase goods locally than to airlift or ship them because fuel and other transport costs can be prohibitive.
  • Global Affairs Canada advocates for Canadians to make monetary contributions to reputable humanitarian organizations. Monetary assistance allows relief agencies, who are part of the coordinated in-country response, to quickly purchase supplies based on the specific needs of the population.

Development assistance – Updated 2022-03-17

  • On January 26, 2022, Canada announced an increase of up to an additional $35M in development assistance funding. This additional funding supports strategic peace and security initiatives that are responding to evolving needs on the ground, and providing support for crisis management and emergency response, including responding to an increased number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine.
  • To ensure that all projects have the necessary flexibility to respond to growing needs across Ukraine, Canada has given partners the flexibility to repurpose some existing project funds to adapt programming and respond to the immediate crisis.
  • Canada has significant on-going programming that is supporting civil society in Ukraine. We are prioritizing this support to locally managed projects that support women’s rights organizations and other civil society organizations, to ensure they can maintain operations and respond to emerging needs.

Sovereign Loan – Updated 2022-03-18

  • Canada has offered a loan of up to CAN $620 million to support Ukraine’s economic resilience.
  • Canada’s sovereign loan cannot be used for purchases or activities that are lethal in nature.

Global food insecurity – Updated 2022-03-18

  • Global food insecurity, which has been increasing in recent years, will get significantly worse due to President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. In March, 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations forecast that the war in Ukraine will force millions of more people into food insecurity, and that global prices for wheat, maize, oilseeds and other grains will continue to increase.
  • The illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine by Russian leadership will disrupt local agricultural production, cause immediate loss of access to food for Ukrainians, increase inflation, and cause food insecurity in many countries in the European Union, and further food insecurity in developing countries, in particular in North Africa, the Middle East, Indonesia and Bangladesh.
  • The war will disrupt cereal exports from Ukraine and potentially from Russia. Both countries represent a significant portion of world cereal exports (25% of global wheat exports).
  • Procurement of food assistance will also be disrupted.
  • Prior to the war, Ukraine was the world’s fifth largest exporter of wheat.  Much of their exports of wheat and other agricultural products were essential to the food security of many developing countries. The war has cut off that supply, and increased prices and exacerbated food insecurity in many developing countries. Twenty-six countries source over 50 per cent on their wheat imports from Ukraine and Russia.
  • Russia and Belarus are important exporters of fertilizers that many developing countries are highly reliant on. Disruptions in fertilizer supply and price increases threaten developing countries’ agricultural productivity.
  • Canada will continue to closely monitor the impacts of the Russian leadership’s invasion on global food supply chains and work with partners to combat negative effects on Canadians and on more vulnerable, import-dependent countries.
  • The World Food Programme, Canada’s largest humanitarian partner, is critical to Canada’s response to global food insecurity. In 2021, Canada was the fourth largest single country donor to the WFP, providing over $306 million in humanitarian funding to support its emergency operations across the globe.

Trade and Investment- 2022-03-04 

  • Instability and attacks on Ukraine are not conducive to trade and investment. The Government of Canada is monitoring the situation and the potential impact on Canadian business and investment.
  • The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought significant disruptions to Canada’s international trade. Canadian companies have been forced to adapt and mitigate risks in response to the added strain of this conflict on international supply chains and global investment.
  • A prolonged conflict will likely impact or delay many aspects of new or ongoing trade initiatives with Ukraine, including the modernization of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement.
  • Access to Canada's Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in Ukraine is limited due to ongoing Russian aggression, the risk of armed conflict, and the closure of our embassy in Kyiv. Trade services at the Embassy in Moscow have also been significantly impacted. TCS clients with business continuity concerns related to the Ukrainian or Russian markets should contact the TCS regional office in Canada closest to them.

Investment Canada Act and Russia

  • Russia’s attack and aggression against Ukraine have created an environment of elevated national security and economic risk for Canada.
  • Effective immediately, foreign direct investments by Russian investors will be found to be of net benefit to Canada only on an exceptional basis.
  • Any investments controlled by or subject to influence by the Russian state will also support a determination by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry that there are reasonable grounds to believe such an investment could harm Canada’s national security.
  • Our government will continue to apply these economic measures as long as the economic and national security risks associated with Russia’s unprovoked attack remains.

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