QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Support for Ukraine
May 2, 2024
Senator Gold, our political leaders have stated that Canada will stand with Ukraine. Unfortunately, that may not include providing sufficient support for the military supplies it so desperately needs.
Indeed, Canada is spending less and less over time. For example, the amount spent in 2023 was 40% less than the previous year. Budget 2024 identified a five-year military aid spending window that amounts to only about $320 million per year. This is a very small amount, especially considering the stakes involved. Senator Gold, why is Canada saying one thing and doing the opposite?
Thank you for your question, although, respectfully, I do not believe Canada is saying one thing and doing the opposite.
I want to be clear. Canada has been unwavering in support of Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity, protects its people and rebuilds its economy for the future. Canada has already committed over $13.3 billion in funding to support Ukraine since 2022, with a commitment of $3.02 billion in critical financial and military support to Ukraine in 2024. This is not insignificant. This is Canada doing its part with an important democratic ally.
The military aid for Ukraine announced in the 2024 budget is well below that of our international allies. For example, Denmark, which is five times smaller in population, is providing $1.94 billion U.S. while the Netherlands, about two times smaller, is providing $2.18 billion U.S. Why are we not stepping up to match our allies? Does the government plan to increase the amount of military assistance to Ukraine beyond that which is earmarked in the budget?
As I mentioned, the budget measures are not the only measures that the government is taking to support Ukraine. Earlier this year, President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Trudeau signed a new historic agreement on security cooperation between our countries to establish a strategic security partnership, and in this agreement, as part of it, the government has committed to $3.02 billion in critical financial and military support to Ukraine this year, 2024.
