So much has been said and written about the federal Conservatives’ refusal to support a renewed Canada-Ukraine trade agreement, it’s hard to know where to start. So I will start with the voice that matters most — the voice of Ukraine.
Ukraine's Ambassador to Canada Yuliya Kovaliv said while she understands there are differences in political opinion in Canada about climate policies, she hopes support for Ukraine remains steadfast.
“What's important for Ukraine, is this free trade agreement," she said simply.
The Conservative chaos began last fall and picked up again last week when Conservative MPs, led by leader Pierre Poilievre, united in voting against Bill C-57, the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA). Every party in the House supported the Bill every step of the way — except for Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives.
The only reason given for the Conservatives’ continuing obstinance is the agreement’s reference to climate change mitigation, up to and including a price on carbon. This obstinance is puzzling for three reasons. First, because Ukraine already has a carbon pricing plan in place — and has had since 2011. Second, because a carbon pricing plan is necessary for Ukraine to enter the European Union (EU) and, ultimately, NATO.
Which leads to point three: the Ukrainian government very much wants this and other trade agreements. Has prioritized them, in fact. Ukraine’s immediate war efforts and long-term prosperity depend on international agreements like the one with Canada.
So, if the marginal mention of climate change isn’t the reason Conservatives refuse to support trade with Ukraine -- and help pave the way for Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO -- then what is? What could possibly motivate the Conservatives to turn their backs on the people of Ukraine at their moment of greatest need?
Good question.
Perhaps it’s the same reason many Conservatives championed Britain’s regrettable BREXIT vote to leave the EU several years ago. Or why federal Conservatives are sponsoring petitions calling on Canada to abandon the United Nations today.
Because the Poilievre-led Conservative party employs a narrow, nativist view of the world and Canada’s role in it. Because in Poilievre’s worldview, the world needs less Canada, and more chaos.
The sad part is that Canada’s Conservatives have a long history of principled support for nations and peoples threatened by oppressors. From R.B. Bennett to John Diefenbaker to Brian Mulroney, who galvanized global support to end South Africa apartheid, Conservatives ensured Canada stood up and stepped up on the global stage when needed. Until now. The Poilievre-led Conservatives today not only refuse to stand up for the beleaguered citizens of Ukraine, they refuse even to be honest about why.
I’ll end as I started — with the words of Ukrainians themselves.
Last fall, Ukrainian Canadian Congress President Alexandra Chyczij wrote to Pierre Poilievre asking him to reconsider his position and support needed trade with Ukraine. “Ukraine needs assistance in strengthening economic resilience,” she wrote. “Ukraine’s government has stressed that the modernization of CUFTA would play an important role in this regard. The UCC therefore asks that the Official Opposition revisit their position on Bill C-57 and vote to support the Bill in 3rd reading.”
Poilievre chose not to listen to the voice of Ukraine when the final Parliamentary vote was held last week. Instead, Poilievre instructed his caucus to turn their backs on Ukraine.
Fortunately, every other party joined the Liberals to pass Bill C-57. As Ukrainians continue to seek support to keep their economy going, Canada will be there. And when Ukraine wins the war, this trade agreement ensures Canadian businesses and exporters will be there to help rebuild Ukraine.
I am proud to say Canada and the federal Liberals have stood with Ukraine since the start of Russia’s illegal invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, and we will continue to stand strong until Ukraine is once again free.
Viviane Lapointe is the Liberal Member of Parliament for Sudbury.
