By Jeff Henson

UKRAINE

Warkentin calls on the federal government to do more to help Ukraine

Mar 16, 2022 | 11:06 AM

Grande Prairie-Mackenzie Member of Parliament (MP) Chris Warkentin was among those in the House of Commons on Tuesday to hear a live video presentation from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, concerning the invasion of his country by Russia.

Warkentin says the speech by Zelenskyy to the House of Commons demonstrated his leadership regarding the issue.

“It actually broke my heart to consider how much the Ukrainian people are being left alone to fight this horrific, illegal war and occupation by (Vladimir) Putin and his army,” he explained. “It really is unthinkable what they are facing, as we continue to see hospitals and schools bombed and bombarded.”

Warkentin says having a foreign leader address the House of Commons has happened before, but notes it is a rare occurrence.

“The fact that the President did address parliament I think demonstrates just how desperate that country is to gain the support of the Canadian government, (especially) considering the long-standing relationship that we have with Ukrainian people and with Ukraine.”

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Zelenskyy used the speech to ask the government to push for a no-fly zone over the country – something both Canada and NATO have rejected so far.

Warkentin added supporting a no-fly zone is something that he and fellow Conservative members have been pushing the federal government to do as a means of doing more regarding this issue.

“Especially in areas of humanitarian concern. That would be a NATO-enforced no-fly zone. However, NATO has so far rejected that, as has the Liberal cabinet (in Canada),” he stated.

“We can not say that we are standing with Ukraine if we refuse to do anything meaningful. And this is something that I believe is meaningful.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada has made “heartbreaking decisions” in turning down Ukraine’s request for a no-fly zone over the country because of concerns it could spark a third world war.

Warkentin says he is increasingly embarrassed and concerned over the federal government’s unwillingness to take any meaningful action concerning the Russian invasion, adding he believes both Canada and NATO need to do more for Ukraine.

Warkentin was among the majority of Canadian MP’s placed Tuesday on a list of foreigners banned from traveling to Russia.

He considers it a “badge of honour” to be banned from Russia by Putin and his foreign ministry.

“I’m proud to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people,” he said. “This is a small, but meaningful reality and I’m proud to be part of that list and to have demonstrated supported for the Ukrainian people.”