Central Okanagan MP Nicola Dan Albas It was early March when I wrote about Canada’s response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. As many will know, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced some strong Canadian sanctions against Russia. At the time, I said that I thought the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister had done an effective job, given that a country like Canada can only do so much to influence another country, like Russia, that we have limited trade with. I also pledged my support for continued action against Russia and to stand by Ukraine as it fights this (Russian President Vladimir) military invasion that Putin instigated. As it turns out, I was wrong to say that Canada can only do so much to influence a country with which we have limited trade. It was recently revealed that here in Canada, some critical Russian pipeline infrastructure, (gas turbines) were being serviced in Montreal. Under the trade export sanctions announced by the prime minister, these turbines would not be allowed to be sent back to Russia. If the pipeline cannot be fully operational, it cannot raise the maximum revenue that Putin is using to fund his war against Ukraine. This was precisely why the sanctions were announced. However, the pipeline in question supplies natural gas to Germany, and due to Germany’s efforts to reduce its domestic emissions, it is increasingly reliant on Russian oil and natural gas. As a result, Germany asked Canada to release the turbines so they could be returned to Russia and the pipeline could resume full operation and, by extension, supply Russian gas to Germany. Trudeau approved a one-time permit to return the turbines. While this is good news for Germany, it was met with outrage by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as many Canadians who strongly support Ukraine and understand very well what the pipeline’s proceeds will do for the Russian war machine against the Ukrainian people. . As Zelensky stated: “If a terrorist state can extract such an exemption from sanctions, what exemptions will it want tomorrow or the day after? This question is very dangerous.” He added: “Furthermore, it is dangerous not only for Ukraine, but also for all countries of the democratic world.” While Zelensky called on Trudeau to reverse his decision to allow the wind turbines to return to Russia, the Canadian government has so far refused, citing the need to protect German livelihoods. Currently, the Nord Stream One pipeline that supplies gas to Germany from Russia is said to be operating at 40% of its capacity without the turbines. My question this week: Do you support Prime Minister Trudeau’s decision to return the turbines to Germany, who in turn will return them to Russia? You can reach me at [email protected] or call toll-free 1-800-665-8711. This article was written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
