QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Support for Ukraine
June 4, 2025
Senator Gold, today, along with Senators Dasko and Simons, I attended a remembrance ceremony for Ukrainian children killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Over 630 innocent children have died and over 2,000 have been injured. That’s 16 children killed or injured every single day.
What is Canada specifically doing to stop Russia from killing these innocents? Why is Canada not helping close the skies to Russian missiles and drones that are directed towards civilian targets? Specifically, will Canada step up to lead the creation of Sky Shield?
Thank you for your question and for reminding us of the devastation of this illegal war initiated by Russia against Ukraine.
Canada stands resolute in its commitment to support Ukraine as it defends its independence in the face of Russia’s brutal aggression. The government’s commitment to Ukraine will endure, as this government has made clear.
My understanding, senator, is that at the Munich Security Conference, the G7 foreign ministers underscored their commitment to work together to help achieve a durable peace and a strong and prosperous Ukraine and reaffirmed the need to work together to develop robust security guarantees to ensure the security of Ukraine, to end the war and to prevent the war from returning.
Thank you very much, Senator Gold. I just can’t help but notice that guarantees don’t save lives.
Over 700,000 Ukrainian children have been reportedly stolen by Russia. This, as we know in this chamber, is genocide. In February 2024, Canada announced that together with Ukraine, we would be leading an international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children stolen by Russia. I understand that since then, only about 1,000 have been returned. What specific steps is Canada now going to take to improve on this dismal result?
Thank you for your question. With regard to the coalition, colleagues should know that since it was announced, 41 states, as well as the Council of Europe, have joined the coalition with a collective commitment to bring Ukrainian children home. My understanding is that the invitation to join remains open to any country wanting to help with this important mission and that the Montreal Pledge is a road map to find practical solutions for this important work. My understanding is that there are now over 50 — approximately 53 — countries and multilateral organizations that have signed this pledge, and Canada hopes to continue to participate in this important work.
