Foreign Affairs committee  As the situation evolves, I think we've seen the measures that we've put in place evolve with it. I would add, though, a cautionary note about cutting off the opportunity for that kind of high-level contact, whether it's with the Russian ambassador here or through our ambassador

Foreign Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, as with other measures—different sorts of sanctions we've put in place—the impact of this will be both in its symbolism and its substance. In its symbolism, I think there is no more clear expression to Russia of its isolation on the world stage than the fact that its

Foreign Affairs committee  As of the time that I came to this committee, I was not aware of any reciprocal retaliation against Canada. Russia did announce it against the U.K. specifically. It would not be surprising if there were a similar retaliation. I would say as well that Transport Canada has put i

Foreign Affairs committee  The vast majority of those fleeing Ukraine are going into Poland, but some are going into such other neighbouring countries as Romania. The Minister of Foreign Affairs was in touch with these countries in advance of the invasion, certainly specifically about Canadians who could a

Foreign Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, I'll begin with that, and then I'll turn to my colleague from National Defence to speak more fully on this. What I would say is that the situation on the ground has evolved—and evolved quickly. I think when we last spoke to this committee we weren't even certain that

Foreign Affairs committee  I'll start, and then I'll pass it on to my colleague Heidi Hulan, who is responsible for our peace and stabilization operations program. Since 2014, we have been working really diligently on supporting women through our development programs. There has been a keen focus on devel

Foreign Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Look, I think it's clear that as horrible as what is happening in Ukraine is, there will be a lot of ramifications across the globe, whether it be energy prices or food security, which we will need to be addressing and preparing for. On the specific questi

Foreign Affairs committee  Sure. Unfettered access means exactly how it sounds. We believe that humanitarian agencies should be able to get to the people in need. This is a question that is beginning to emerge across Ukraine. We'll be working closely with our UN partners, who are very experienced in worki

Foreign Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, I will turn to Heidi Hulan to speak to that question.

Foreign Affairs committee  In terms of what's happening inside Russia, we're watching this really closely. It's important. As you know, we have been very supportive in the past of a number of those who've had the courage to stand up to President Putin. The circumstances are really challenging. As you have

Foreign Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, as I mentioned before, we are looking at other ways we can work with our partners to put additional pressure on Russia, and those will absolutely include sanctions. I would take note of other tools that are available and that have been putting pressure on Russia as w

Foreign Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, in any conflict, and particularly one involving civilians as directly as this one has, there needs to be a real concern about the possibility of war crimes. What I can assure the chair is that we are, as we speak, engaging our legal experts with those from other count

Foreign Affairs committee  What's important is that we are able to document what's happening on the ground. If it meets the threshold, it needs to be pursued in the correct avenues. We are working with our legal colleagues to make sure that happens.

Foreign Affairs committee  What's important is that Canada works very closely to understand what's happening on the ground.

Foreign Affairs committee  Since Ambassador Rae isn't here, I will answer that, Mr. Chair. What we are seeing is an extraordinary unified response on the part of our partners and allies. It is commonly being said that Russia has given the west and NATO a new purpose. As we are seeing, the sanctions are ha