While the Russian invasion of Ukraine lingers on, Moose Jaw – Lake Centre – Lanigan Member of Parliament Fraser Tolmie is throwing his support behind the Ukrainian people.  

Tolmie denounced the aggressive actions being taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin towards the sovereign nation of Ukraine.  

“The former Soviet Union has looked at neighbouring countries as buffer zones to protect themselves, and this act of aggression just really sends the wrong signal internationally,” Tolmie said. “Obviously, we're against it, and we've been communicating that in the house.”  

The Government of Canada continues to impose sanctions against the Russian government as punishment for the war. Some of these actions include sanctions against over 440 individuals and entities, including Russian oligarchs, major Russian banks and Russian politicians close to Putin.  

Canada has also cancelled all existing export permits with Russia, totalling about $700 million in trade. You can read a list of the other sanctions and actions being taken by Canada here.  

Tolmie said the situation in Ukraine is very fluid, so are the sanctions, and it is a careful balancing act to not make the situation worse.  

“There’s always the concern for escalation and also the loss of civilian life, which is very disappointing to be witnessing,” he said.  

Tolmie said he has reached out and talked to people in his constituency about the situation. He said many people in the area are wanting to step up and help.  

“They're asking for ways that they can help. They're asking for ways that they can maybe adopt a family and bring them over to our riding and to be able to look after them while this is going on,” Tolmie said.  

Both the Canadian government as well as the Province of Saskatchewan have said they are willing to take in Ukrainian refugees when the time comes. Over 2 million people have fled Ukraine for safety in neighbouring countries.  

“We’ve got to do something to help them out,” Tolmie said when asked if he supported taking in Ukrainian refugees.