B.C. ready to work with Ottawa on sanctions, refugees after Russian invasion of Ukraine: premier
British Columbia Premier John Horgan says his government is prepared to work with Ottawa to impose sanctions against Russia and to take in potential refugees in the wake of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking from Government House in Victoria on Friday, one day after Russian forces entered Ukraine en masse, the premier condemned the Russian aggression that has fueled fears of wider war in Europe and triggered worldwide efforts to halt the bloodshed.
"I just want to acknowledge, with all free-thinking peoples around the world, to add my condemnation of the unlawful actions of the government of Russia in taking away the liberties and threatening the lives of the people of Ukraine," Horgan said.
"Our government stands ready to work with the federal government to impose whatever sanctions are required and to take whatever steps we can as British Columbians to help the international community condemn these horrific actions," the premier added.
The federal government on Thursday announced that 58 people and entities connected to Russia, including key political leaders, oligarchs and their families, are being sanctioned by Canada, along with several major Russian banks.
Canada is also cancelling existing export permits for Russia. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, who earlier summoned Russia's ambassador for a dressing down at Global Affairs Canada, estimated the permits amounted to $700 million in trade.
"I stand with all British Columbians and, indeed, all Canadians condemning that activity and hoping that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin will see the error of his ways and the wrath of the international community will be sufficient for him to turn back on this horrific course that he is on," Horgan said.
British Columbia is already engaged in discussions with the federal government about assisting potential Ukrainian refugees coming to the province "in any way we can," the premier said.
"My intergovernmental officials are working with Ottawa to see what we can do with respect to sanctions, what we can do with respect to providing safe harbour for those who are fleeing the violence that has been beset upon them by a government that clearly has lost its way," Horgan said.
"The Russian government needs to be held accountable, but British Columbians will open their arms to Ukrainian citizens who are wanting to make their way to British Columbia."
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms
High waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing hundreds of people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.
Canadian Auger-Aliassime reaches first Masters final in Madrid with another walkover
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to his first ATP Masters final, and he hasn't had to play all that much tennis to do it.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.