Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and the Official Opposition, issued the following statement calling on Justin Trudeau to reject the proposals put forward by President Putin regarding Ukraine and Eastern Europe:

“History has shown that capitulation to President Putin’s aggression in Eastern Europe has only led to more military action by Russia. In order to stop President Putin, Canada must show strength and stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and other Eastern European allies. Over the past six years, the Trudeau Liberals have consistently failed to do this.

“The proposals put forward by President Putin will only lead to one thing – more aggression from Russia in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Capitulation to President Putin must be taken off the table and rejected.

“That’s why Canada’s Conservatives are calling on Justin Trudeau to immediately work with NATO allies and unequivocally reject the proposals put forward by President Putin.

“Canada’s Conservatives have a long track record of standing up for Ukraine and other allies in the region in the face of Russian aggression. We were the first Western country to recognize Ukraine as a sovereign nation, negotiated a free trade agreement with Ukraine, and implemented a military training mission with Ukraine in order to support their territorial independence. We have also called on the Trudeau Liberals to extend and expand Op UNIFIER, restore RadarSat imaging, use Magnitsky sanctions against those responsible for Russian aggression against Ukraine, and provide Ukraine with lethal defensive weapons.

“More needs to be done to support Ukraine and that starts by rejecting the capitulation proposals put forward by Russia and President Putin. Canada’s Conservatives will continue to be a voice for those who want Canada to stand up for our values on the international stage and support our allies in the face of Russian aggression.”