When Will the Light-Armoured Vehicles Canada Promised Arrive in Ukraine?

On December 7, 2023, Senator Omidvar asked Senator Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate, when the light-armoured vehicles Canada promised will arrive in Ukraine and what the government is doing to go after frozen Russian assets. Watch:

Hon. Ratna Omidvar: Senator Gold, my question to you is about Ukraine. As a Canadian, I am incredibly proud of the different ways we’re providing aid to Ukraine. However, we’ve made promises that we have clearly not yet delivered upon. I refer to today’s media reports that suggest that Ottawa has yet to deliver any of the 50 light armoured vehicles and armoured medical evacuation vehicles promised as part of the new $650-million aid package in September of this year.

Can you provide us with an update on when those important and essential military assets will be delivered?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I am too, and I hope all senators are proud of the support Canada continues to give Ukraine as it fights a just war against an undemocratic and authoritarian regime.

Unfortunately, I don’t have an update on your specific question, senator, important though it is. I can say the government remains committed to supporting Ukraine, and it’s already providing Ukraine with critical military and financial support: $9 billion in military, humanitarian and financial aid; the supply of eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks and the training we continue to provide to Ukrainian military recruits both abroad and here in Canada.

Hon. Ratna Omidvar: Thank you, Senator Gold, for that answer. I look forward to receiving more details.

I think we all know what the discourse to the south of us in the United States means for the war in Ukraine. Canada passed a law in 2021 in the Budget Implementation Act to seize and repurpose frozen assets of oligarchs and entities. Two such cases have been acted upon by the Government of Canada, but there is no update as to where they are in the proceedings.

Can you provide us with an update?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. Unfortunately, I don’t have an update. I can remind senators in this chamber that Canada has been very clear that they’re hitting the Russian regime with crippling sanctions against over 2,600 individuals and entities. We will be continuing to work with our allies to make sure there are severe costs imposed on the Russian regime. Of course, it remains important to equip Ukraine with what it needs to fight and win this war.