Russia has barred Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and over 600 Canadians from entering the country
*Paromita Das
According to media reports, a bill was introduced in the Senate of Canada on Tuesday to prohibit Russian President Vladimir Putin from entering the country. The country’s lawmakers are also attempting to prevent around 1,000 other members of Russia’s government and military from crossing its borders. Russia appears to have taken over the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol.
“Banning close associates and key supporters of Putin’s regime, including those responsible for this unprovoked aggression, from entering our country is one of the many ways we’re holding Russia accountable for its crimes,” said Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino in a statement.
Canada and other Western allies have imposed a number of sanctions against Russia since the start of the Ukraine war. Canada has also dispatched weapons to Ukraine.
In response, Russia has barred Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and over 600 Canadians from entering the country.
Without amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), Canada may be unable to bar entry to sanctioned individuals, according to a ministry spokesman.
“Once in effect, these IRPA amendments will apply to all foreign nationals subject to Canadian sanctions, as well as any accompanying family members,” the statement said.
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