By Andrew Thomson | UPDATED 5:29pmET
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes questions after an announcement in Ottawa
"We will certainly look at ways to minimize that risk for Canadians, but at the same time we cannot hold back on putting everything forward to hold Vladimir Putin to account," PM Trudeau says when asked re: compensation for Canadian companies affected by sanctions against Russia. pic.twitter.com/q7SS9hXBL1
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) March 3, 2022
Watch the full news conference:
PrimeTime Politics: Canada to create special immigration streams for Ukrainians, send rocket launchers and grenades, boost tariffs on Russia and Belarus
The Canadian government plans to provide fast-track Ukrainian temporary relocation and family reunification through a pair of programs, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced this morning.
The new Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel will target those seeking temporary refuge for up to two years, with a waiver of application fees and most traditional visa requirements.
The emergency program will include a simple application form and biometrics for background and security screening, with equipment and personnel in place in Warsaw, Vienna, and Bucharest according to Fraser.
There is no limit to the number of applications that Canada is willing to accept, Fraser said.
The new process is expected to open in two weeks. Existing temporary resident visa applications remain open, but priority continues for Ukrainian applicants, Fraser said.
Fraser also announced an expedited path to permanent residency for Ukrainians seeking to re-unite with family members in Canada.
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announces two new programs for Ukrainians who “need a safe haven while the war ravages their homeland.” One program is for those who want to come to Canada temporarily, and the other for those who wish to stay. #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/TXKkr2Ri9x
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) March 3, 2022
Watch Immigration Minister Sean Fraser on PrimeTime Politics with Peter Van Dusen:
Canada also plans to revoke most favored nation (MFN) trading status for Russia and Belarus, subjecting both countries to a 35-per-cent export tariff.
Canada will revoke “most favoured nation” trade status for Russia & Belarus, becoming the first country to do so, announces Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland at a news conference in Ottawa. Those countries will face a 35% tariff on exports to Canada as a result, she explains.#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/mPZsQrXab6
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) March 3, 2022
And, Defence Minister Anita Anand announced additional military aid from Canadian stockpiles: up to 4,500 M72 rocket launchers and up to 7,500 hand grenades.
Canada will also provide $1 million towards purchase of high-resolution satellite imagery, Anand said.
Canada will provide Ukraine with an additional supply of lethal aid, consisting of rocket launchers & hand grenades, announces Defence Minister Anita Anand in Ottawa. Canada will also provide funds for the purchase of modern, high-resolution satellite imagery, she says.#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/RIc2LcZIej
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) March 3, 2022
Watch the full news conference (no interpretation):
In the House
The Conservatives have an opposition day in the House of Commons.
The motion from foreign affairs critic Michael Chong:
That the House:
(a) condemn President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation for their unprovoked, illegal attack and invasion of Ukraine;
(b) stand with Ukraine, the people of Ukraine and Canadians in the Ukrainian community; and
(c) call on the Government of Canada to undertake measures to ensure new natural gas pipelines can be approved and built to Atlantic tidewater, recognizing energy as vital to Canadian and European defence and security, allowing Canadian natural gas to displace Russian natural gas in Europe, and being consistent with environmental goals in the transition to non-emitting sources of energy.
Watch question period:
MPs also unanimously supported a motion to show support for Ukraine on the doorstep of the Russian embassy, and welcomed Ukraine's ambassador to Canada:
In the House of Commons, MPs have unanimously adopted NDP MP Charlie Angus's motion urging the City of Ottawa to consider renaming part of Charlotte Street, which is home to the Russian embassy, in honour of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president.#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/DkQlt2sq8a
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) March 3, 2022
During question period in the House of Commons, members of Parliament offer a standing ovation to Andrii Bukvych, chargé d’affaires at the Ukrainian embassy in Ottawa, who is present in the gallery.#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/21kLYEMFuD
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) March 3, 2022
Conservative Leadership: Charest meets MPs in Ottawa
Jean Charest briefly spoke with reporters in Ottawa last night as he meets with members of the Conservative Party of Canada caucus amid speculation that he will run for the party's top job.
Charest attended a reception hosted by two Conservative MPs who want him to run for party leader.
The former Quebec premier, federal cabinet minister, and leader of the Progressive Conservative party told reporters he would wait for the CPC to release rules of the leadership race before deciding on a bid.
The new Conservative leader will be announced by Sept. 10, the party announced late last night.
Other key dates:
April 19: Deadline to enter the leadership race, with a $200,000 entry fee and $100,000 compliance deposit
June 3: Deadline for eligible voters to submit membership applications
Late-July or early-August: Ballots are mailed to party members
In Committee
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem and senior deputy governor Carolyn Rogers go before the Standing Committee on Finance, one day after the bank rose its benchmark interest rate to 0.5% from the historic low of 0.25%. 3:30pm ET / 12:30pm PT
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser discusses supplementary estimates at the immigration committee. 11am ET / 8am PT
GoFundMe president Juan Benitez and senior executives from PayPal and Stripe go before the public safety committee for questions on crowdfunding and extremism. 11am ET / 8am PT
Officials from Indigenous Services Canada discuss the auditor general’s report on health resources when they appear at the public accounts committee. 11am ET / 8am PT
International Development Minister Harjit Sajjan discusses his ministerial mandate at the foreign affairs committee. 3:30pm ET / 12:30pm PT
Today in Politics Podcast: Mark Sutcliffe and John Ivison
Canada continues to work with partners and allies to impose sanctions on Russia; There are more calls for Canada to waive visa requirements immediately for Ukrainians seeking refuge; And Michael Chong may be considering a bid for the Conservative leadership.
Here's your morning update with Mark Sutcliffe:
