(Ottawa) The Canadian government is responding to the appeal of the United Nations and will contribute 100 million to bring humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighboring countries, confirmed The Press. An announcement is expected this afternoon.
Posted at 11:24 a.m.
Hours earlier, the United Nations had asked its members to donate a total of $1.7 billion to provide clothing, food and housing for Ukrainians.
The organization estimates that around 12 million people inside the country and more than 4 million refugees in neighboring countries will need humanitarian assistance in the coming months.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, National Defense Minister Anita Anand and International Development Minister are due to provide an update on Canada’s response to the war in Ukraine on Tuesday after -midday.
Sanctions against Russia have escalated from Canada and its allies since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced on Twitter Tuesday that Canada is closing its waters and ports to vessels “owned by Russian interests or registered in Russia.”
Opposition parties are urging Canada to do more. The Conservative Party, the Bloc Québécois and the New Democratic Party are all calling for the lifting of visas for Ukrainians who want to come to Canada.
Further details will follow.