Dear Friends,
It has been over a year since Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops to invade Ukraine. It is horrifying to witness the destruction, loss of human life, and the displacement of millions. Despite all the hardships, it is inspiring to witness the millions of Ukrainians who are bravely defending their homeland.
We also need to acknowledge the thousands of Russians who are imprisoned over their opposition to this war. The response to the censure of media, and the other protests that have ensued at great risk, has shown the world that this tyranny has opposition. It’s obvious that Putin does not have the full support of the Russian people as he moves his country backwards.
Early in this invasion, I called on the Government of Canada to sanction trade with Russia. The initial agreement with this request was a relief. But you will recall that I was vocally opposed when the Canadian government withdrew their sanctions to allow gas turbines to be shipped back to Russia so they can be used for the Nord Stream pipeline. After the pipeline became inoperable, Canada reversed its reversal on these sanctions. Sanctions are not meant to be opportunistic, and they always affect both parties involved, so our country’s waffling left many people questioning the seriousness of our words and actions. To many around the world, the reversal/double reversal damaged our credibility.
Canada has enacted the temporary Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program allowing Ukrainian refugees to apply for an express entry through a visitor visa. This visa allows them to study, live, and work in Calgary for up to three years. My office continuously works hard in assisting those applicants and their families in receiving these visas. To date, my office has helped around 30 Ukrainians who currently reside in our riding.
If you wish to make a donation for the people of Ukraine, please do so through the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the International Committee for the Red Cross, or to Health Partners International of Canada’s Emergency Response to Ukraine.
Please contact me at [email protected] or by phone at 403-244-1880 and keep up to date on my work in Parliament on my website, GregMcLeanMP.ca.
Sincerely,
Greg McLean
MP – Calgary Centre Greg McLean proudly serves the following Communities: Altadore, Alyth, Bankview, Bel-Aire , Bonnybrook, Britannia, Burns Industrial, Chinatown, Cliff Bungalow , Connaught (Beltline), Currie, Downtown East Village, Downtown West End, Eau Claire, Elbow Park, Elboya, Erlton, Garrison Green, Garrison Woods, Highfield, Inglewood, Killarney-Glengarry, Lincoln Park, Lower Mount Royal, Manchester, Manchester Industrial, Marda Loop, Mayfair, Meadowlark Park, Mission, Mount Royal, North Glenmore Park, Parkhill, Ramsay, Richmond-Knob Hill, Rideau Park, River Park, Roxboro, Rutland Park, Scarboro, Scarboro/Sunalta West, Shaganappi, South Calgary, Sunalta, Upper Mount Royal, Victoria Park, Windsor Park
