Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the intent to implement further sanctions

July 21, 2014
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the intent to implement economic sanctions against a broad range of entities related to various Russian sectors:

“It is clear that the Putin regime’s continuing provocative military action against Ukraine, its illegal occupation of the Crimean peninsula, and its failure to end its support to armed separatist groups in eastern Ukraine constitute a threat to international peace and security.

Since the onset of this crisis, Canada has imposed sanctions against 110 individuals and entities responsible for violating the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine. The outrageous and criminal act of shooting down a civilian airliner last week is a direct product of Russia’s military aggression and illegal occupation of Ukraine, and demonstrates the need for the international community to continue applying pressure on the Putin regime.

Canada remains committed to doing its part to apply that pressure in response to Russia’s provocative actions.

Following consultation and coordination with our closest international partners and allies, the Government of Canada will be imposing new sanctions against a broad range of entities related to various Russian sectors.

This decision was taken in tandem with our partners in the international community for both rapid implementation and maximum effect.

We call on President Putin to immediately order a withdrawal of his troops from the Ukrainian border, to stop the flow of weapons and militants into Ukraine, and to use Russia’s influence to persuade insurgents to lay down their weapons and renounce violence. It is also imperative that investigators be given full, unimpeded access to the crash site of the downed Malaysian airliner.