By Andrew Thomson | UPDATED 5:29pmET
Canada pledges non-lethal equipment, extension of Ukraine military training mission
The Canadian government will extend and expand its military training mission in Ukraine (Operation UNIFIER), send non-lethal equipment, and provide more cybersecurity and intelligence support to Ukraine in response to Russian threats, the prime minister and federal ministers announced this afternoon in Ottawa.
At a news conference on Parliament Hill, PM Trudeau announces a three-year extension and expansion of Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces’ Ukraine training mission, as well as Canada’s provision of up to $50M for development and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/QJhG4gLFfl
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) January 26, 2022
Operation UNIFIER could see a doubling of personnel to 400 CAF members as part of the three-year extension, according to Trudeau and Defence Minister Anita Anand, who pointed to the commitment -- and continuing need for a diplomatic solution -- when asked why Canada is only sending non-lethal military equipment.
A Conservative party statement accused the government of ignoring a clear Ukrainian request for lethal defensive weapons.
"The governments of the U.S., U.K., Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Czech Republic, and others have already provided lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine," the statement said.
“This lack of action by Prime Minister Trudeau calls into question the Liberal government’s support for Ukraine in their fight against Russia's aggression. The time for half measures has long passed."
Watch the full news conference:
Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 0.25% -- but signals a rise is coming
The Bank of Canada's key interest rate will remain at a record-low of 0.25% for now, but the central bank announced today it will end its "extraordinary commitment to hold its policy rate at the effective lower bound" with economic slack now "absorbed."
The bank "expects interest rates will need to increase, with the timing and pace of those increases guided by the Bank’s commitment to achieving the 2% inflation target."
However, the bank projects Canadian CPI inflation to remain close to 5% through the first half of 2022 before falling to 3% by the end of the year as supply issues are resolved.
Also in the Bank of Canada's latest economic report:
- Projected 4-per-cent growth in 2022 and about 3.5-per-cent growth in 2023, following "stronger than expected" growth in the second half of 2021 and a "less severe" impact of the Omicron variant compared to prior COVID-19 waves.
- A tightened labour market, wage gains, and continuing "upward pressure" on home prices are all forecast to continue.
Watch today's news conference with Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem and senior deputy governor Carolyn Rogers:
In Committee
The House of Commons industry committee hears testimony (2:30pm ET / 11:30am PT) on Canada's critical-mineral sector. Witnesses include Guy Saint-Jacques (former ambassador to China), intelligence and security expert Wesley Wark, and Flavio Volpe (president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association).
Wednesday's COVID-19 updates
New Brunswick announcement on primary health care
Newfoundland and Labrador expanding online learning resources, changing testing requirements
Prince Edward Island to relax restrictions and resume in-person learning
Nova Scotia extending restrictions for additional two weeks
Manitoba update on COVID-19 and vaccinations
Northwest Territories update on vaccination strategy for children
